Tyrant Flycatchers in the United States

Tyrant Flycatchers are one of the largest families (Tyrannidae) of birds in the world.

Depending on which list you look at, the The United States Geological Survey (USGS) lists thirty four or thirty six different Tyrannidae species common in the United States.

Their list not only includes the species with the formal flycatcher names, but also includes phoebes, kingbirds, kiskadees and pewees. A Black Phoebe is pictured on the left.

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The species that inhabit the United States are primarily migratory forest birds. While there are a large number of species in the United States, in any given location only a handful of species are typically present because so many have geographically limited ranges. For example, there are western and eastern species of kingbirds and pewees.

Species in the Tyrant Flycatcher family are also known as new world birds, meaning they are native to South, Central and North American forested lands.

There are approximately four hundred different species in the family. The vast majority live south of the United States southern border.

The typical tyrant flycatcher species in the United States is often characterized as a small to medium sized bird with a brown or olive coloration that helps them blend into their environment. Species coloration tends to expand as you get to species that inhabit warmer and tropical climates. The male Vermilion Flycatcher, for example, is a very striking red and black bird that inhabits the desert South West and southern Texas.

When you hang around with flycatchers for any length of time, you get the sense that, as a group, they are a very light hearted and social bunch of birds, amenable to having their picture taken. In fact, many individual flycatchers are downright friendly, and will allow you to approach them closely for a nice portrait shot.

Understanding the tyrant flycatcher psyche begins by recognizing that they are perching birds that enjoy sitting on a branch in the sun, scanning for insects in their territory. When you discover a particular area inhabited by flycatchers, all you need do is find a sunny place to stand (the human equivalent of perching), and in a thirty minute or so range, the curious flycatcher often will fly in and perch near you. The Western Wood-Pewee in the picture at the left was more than happy to pose for a couple of minutes after it saw me hanging out in its territory.

Professionals and birding enthusiasts keep track of flycatcher population numbers as a tool for gauging riparian forest ecosystem health throughout the country. The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher is a subspecies listed on the U.S. Endangered Species list. There are plans in place to restore the riparian habitat in its range.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Guam broadbill, a small flycatcher from the island, was removed from the Endangered Species list in 2004 and is now considered extinct.

In cases other than endangered species listing, the American Birding Conservancy lists the Olive-sided Flycatcher and Willow Flycatcher as threatened by habitat destruction.

© 2006 Patricia A. Michaels