Jeff Wendorff's bird photography portfolio of flycatchers from the family, Tyrannidae.
Tyrant Flycatcher Wiki The
tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae) are a family of passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They are considered the largest family of birds, with more than 400 species. They are the most diverse avian family in every country in the Americas, except for the United States and Canada. As could be expected from a family this large, the members vary widely in shape, patterns, size and colors. Some
tyrant flycatchers superficially resemble the unrelated Old World flycatchers. They are members of suborder Tyranni (suboscines), which do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of most other songbirds.
Most, but not all, species are rather plain, with various hues of brown, gray and white commonplace. Several of the large genera (i.e. Elaenia, Myiarchus or Empidonax) are quite difficult to tell apart in the field due to similar plumage, and some are best distinguished by their voices. Behaviorally they can vary from species such as spadebills which are tiny, shy and live in dense forest interiors to kingbirds, which are relatively large, bold, inquisitive and often inhabit open areas near human habitations. As the name implies, a great majority of
tyrant flycatchers are entirely insectivorous (though not necessarily specialized in flies).
Tyrant flycatchers are largely opportunistic feeders and often catch any flying or arboreal insect they encounter.
Collective Noun There are various collective nouns for
flycatchers: a "confusion," an "outfield," a "swatting," or a "zapper."
The empidonax species are cleverly referred to as a "confusion."
Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are called a "mess," a "pinking" or a "snip."
Silky Flycatchers are known as a "strand."
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