The Tyrannidae occur throughout the Americas. They are most diverse in South America, notably the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, the Chocó (western Colombia and north-west Ecuador), and the Andes; ca. 30 mostly migratory species nest in North America. The Tyrannidae are divided into nine subfamilies, 101 genera, and 449 species (HBW). Some recent studies propose elevating the Platyrinchinae, Pipritinae, Tachurisinae, Pipromorphinae to full families, but this is not widely accepted.

Tyrant Flycatchers inhabit humid and dry tropical and temperate forests, scrublands, wetlands, grasslands, and cliffs. They vary greatly in shape and size, ranging from 6 to 40.5 cm in length, including elongated tail feathers in some species; weight 5-100 g. The majority has a broad and flattened bill, with a pointed and slightly hooked tip, with bristles at the base. Most species are gray, brown, olive or ochre above, and light gray, tan, white, or yellow below; a few are predominately black and/or white; one species is red. Some tyrannids have erectile crests, and/or a patch of red or yellow on the crown.

The nests are domed, pendulous, or cup-like, built in trees and shrubs; a few species nest in cavities, on rock ledges, and man-made structures. At least one species usurps the nests of oropendolas (Icteridae). The clutch consists of 2-8 eggs; incubation ca. 2 weeks. The nestlings are altricial, and fledge after 2-3 weeks. One or two broods a year. Larger species, especially the kingbirds, are aggressive towards intruders near the nest site. Tyrant flycatchers are primarily insectivores, catching insects on the wing or gleaning them from vegetation. Others feed on berries, caterpillars, and worms. Some larger species (shrike-tyrants, kiskadees, attilas) also take small fish, frogs, lizards, rodents, and nestlings. Tropical tyrannids may join mixed-species flocks.

		Planalto Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias fasciatus)
		Blue-billed Black Tyrant (Knipolegus cyanirostris)
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