flycatcher

American  

[flahy-kach-er] / ˈflaɪˌkætʃ ər /

noun

1. any of numerous Old World birds of the family Muscicapidae, that feed on insects captured in the air.

2. Also called tyrant flycatcher.  any of numerous similar American birds of the family Tyrannidae.

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flycatcher British  

/ ˈflaɪˌkætʃə /

noun

1. any small insectivorous songbird of the Old World subfamily Muscicapinae , having small slender bills fringed with bristles: family Muscicapidae See also spotted flycatcher

2. any American passerine bird of the family Tyrannidae

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Etymology

Origin of flycatcher

First recorded in 1590–1600; fly ¹ + catcher

Example Sentences

It’s also habitat for desert bighorn sheep, and birds including the threatened western yellow-billowed cuckoo and the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.

From National Geographic • Aug. 8, 2023

He, too, watched an eastern phoebe nest at his farm in Mill Grove, Pa., about 200 miles east of here as the flycatcher flies.

From New York Times • Jun. 2, 2023

Federally endangered species particularly threatened by the presence of the bovines are the “southwest willow flycatcher, narrow-headed garter snake, Gila chub, loach minnow, and Spikedace,” according to a Forest Service memo.

From Washington Times • Feb. 17, 2023

The complaint also notes the effects of river management on the Southwestern willow flycatcher and the yellow-billed cuckoo.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2022

In the Field Guide to African Birds left by our fowl-minded patron Brother Fowles, my bird is called the paradise flycatcher.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver