The
tyrant flycatchers (
Tyrannidae) are a
family of
passerine birds which occur throughout
North and
South America. They are considered the largest family of birds, with more than 400 species. They are the most
diverse avian family in every country in the
Americas, except for the
United States and
Canada. As could be expected from a family this large, the members vary greatly in shape, patterns, size and colors. Some tyrant flycatchers superficially resemble the
Old World flycatchers which they are named after but are not related to. They are members of suborder
Tyranni (suboscines), which do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of most other
songbirds.