tyrannidæ

pl. [Mod. Latin tyrann (us); Lat. fem. pl. adj. suff.- inæ.] Ornith.: Tyrant-birds, Tyrant Shrikes: a family of Pa erine Birds, formerly made a sub-family of Muscicapide. Bill long, broad, and flat at base, sides compre ed to tip, which is hooked; nostrils hidden by plumes and bristles; wings long and pointed; tail moderate; tarsi broadly scaled; outer toe longer than inner, united to middle at base; claws short and sharp. They form an extensive and characteristic American family, ranging over the whole continent, from Patagonia to the arctic regions, and are found in the chief American islands. Fivesub-families are reckoned: Conophaginse, Tæniopterinæ, Platyrhynchine, Elaineine, and Tyran nine, embracing altogether seventy-one genera and more than 300 species.