Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tyrant bird: A large American bird belonging to the family Tyrannidae, known for its characteristic behavior of catching flying insects in mid-air.

Usage

• The term "tyrant bird" is used to refer to a specific type of passerine bird found in the Americas. It is a common name for birds in the tyrant flycatcher family, which includes many species known for their aggressive insect-hunting techniques.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We observed a tyrant bird skillfully catching mosquitoes over the pond.
  • The tyrant bird, perched on a high branch, scanned the sky for its next meal.

Advanced Usage

• The name "tyrant" refers to the bird's often aggressive and dominant behavior in its territory, particularly when defending a nest or hunting ground from other birds or insects.
  • The small tyrant bird fiercely defended its nest from the approaching hawk.

Variants and Related Words

• Tyrant flycatcher: The more precise ornithological term for the family Tyrannidae, of which the "tyrant bird" is a member.
  • The kingbird is a well-known type of tyrant flycatcher.

Synonyms

• Flycatcher: A general term for birds that catch insects in flight.
• Tyrannid: A technical term for a member of the family Tyrannidae.

Related Phrases

• On the wing: An adverbial phrase meaning "while in flight," often used to describe the hunting method of these birds.
  • The tyrant bird catches most of its food on the wing.

Noun

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