Any of numerous small passerine birds that capture insects on the wing, particularly more than 100 Old World species of the family Muscicapidae and more than 400 New World species called tyrant flycatchers (family Tyrannidae).
The most common Old World species, the spotted flycatcher ( Muscicapa striata ), is 5.5 in. (14 cm) long and streaked grayish brown. It inhabits open woodlands and gardens eastward from Europe, where it breeds, through Asia. Tyrant flycatchers include the manakins, pewees, kingbirds, becards, and cotingas, among others. Most have a large head, short legs, and a broad bill (e.g., phoebe s).