Definition

Noun: 1. A tyrant flycatcher: A New World flycatcher is any of numerous passerine birds of the family Tyrannidae, found in the Americas. They are typically small to medium-sized birds known for their insect-catching behavior, often catching prey in mid-air ("on the wing").

Usage Notes

• The term "New World flycatcher" is a common name used to collectively describe birds in the family Tyrannidae, distinguishing them from the unrelated Old World flycatchers (family Muscicapidae).
• It is a descriptive, ornithological term rather than a single species name. It refers to a large group of birds sharing similar characteristics and habitat.

Examples

• The New World flycatcher perched on the branch, sallying forth repeatedly to catch insects.
• Ornithologists study the diverse songs and plumage of New World flycatchers.
• That small, gray bird darting from the fence is a type of New World flycatcher.

Advanced Usage

• The family Tyrannidae, the New World flycatchers, exhibits an incredible range of ecological adaptations, from the large, predatory great kiskadee to the tiny, delicate elaenias.

Variants and Related Words

• Tyrant flycatcher: A direct synonym for New World flycatcher.
• Flycatcher: A more general term that can refer to birds from several families that catch insects in flight, including both New World (Tyrannidae) and Old World (Muscicapidae) species. Context is needed for clarity.
• Tyrannidae: The scientific family name.

Synonyms

• Tyrant flycatcher
• Tyrant bird (less common)

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Old World flycatcher: Birds of the family Muscicapidae, found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, which are not closely related to Tyrannidae but share a similar foraging technique.
• Passerine: Refers to the perching bird order (Passeriformes) to which flycatchers belong.
• Insectivorous: Describes their primary diet of insects.

Noun

1. large American birds that characteristically catch insects on the wing