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Tyrannidae

Tyrannidae

9.9
A large family of birds in the Americas that catch insects, like flycatchers
  • noun
  • /tɪˈrænɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Tyrannidae
  • The Tyrannidae family contains more than 400 species of tyrant flycatchers.

Examples

  • Researchers discovered a new species belonging to the Tyrannidae in the Amazon rainforest.

  • Birdwatchers in Mexico often spot members of the Tyrannidae during spring migration.

  • The Tyrannidae family includes many colorful species.

  • Many Tyrannidae are found in tropical rainforests.

  • Birdwatchers in Mexico often spot members of the Tyrannidae during spring migration.

  • Researchers discovered a new species belonging to the Tyrannidae in the Amazon rainforest.

  • The Tyrannidae family contains more than 400 species of tyrant flycatchers.

Synonyms

superfamily Tyrannidae
vsTyrannidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A large group of birds mostly found in Central and South America, with some in North America

is the narrower family-level group rather than the larger taxonomic grouping

Compounds

9.9

A large group of birds mostly found in Central and South America, with some in North America

Surface Forms

Tyrannidae singular
Tyrannid plural

Morphology

Tyrannidae = Tyrannus (opaque) = Tyrannus + idae

The word is formed from a scientific genus name plus the zoological family suffix '-idae'; understanding requires taxonomic knowledge rather than general English morpheme knowledge.

Etymology

Tyrannidae comes from the same root as the English word tyrant, from Greek meaning 'ruler' or 'tyrant', and the ending -idae marks a family or 'group' of animals. These birds are called 'tyrant flycatchers' because many are bold and chase other birds, so the name fits this family of birds from the Americas.