Flycatchers
With 425 tyrannids, there are more species of Tyrant Flycatchers than in
any other family of birds in the world. It is therefore impossible to
present more than a short overview. Tyrant Flycatchers are entirely New
World birds ranging throughout most habitats in North and South America.
Most North American species, like this Gray Flycatcher (left), are
migratory and move south to milder climates in the winter. Conversely,
many flycatchers in southern South America move north toward the equator
in the austral winter. Most of the tropical tyrannids are resident.
Flycatchers are quite variable is size and color. A good many, like the
Gray Flycatcher, are small and dull but there are numerous examples of
big and bright birds like the Great Kiskadee. The Great Kiskadee has a
huge range in the tropics -- running from the southern tip of Texas
through Central America down to northern Argentina -- but many of these
flycatchers have small or isolated ranges. Both the Gray Flycatcher and
Great Kiskadee are related to similar species than can cause birders
field identification problems. Indeed, sorting out the identification of
New World flycatchers is amongst the more complex problems confronting
the field observer.
» Description: Rather elegant slim upright profile. Mouse-brown upperparts and pale, lightly streaked below. Sexes similar. Makes dashes after flying insects, often returning to the same perch.
» Habitat: Woodland, parks and gardens.
» Size: 14 cm (5.5")
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