flycatcher

noun

fly·​catch·​er ˈflī-ˌka-chər How to pronounce flycatcher (audio)
-ˌke-
: any of various passerine birds (families Muscicapidae and Tyrannidae) that feed on insects taken on the wing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Southwestern willow flycatcher protected along San Pedro river Usually smaller than six inches, this little bird plays a big role in controlling insect populations around wetlands and waterways. Jake Frederico, The Arizona Republic, 3 Mar. 2023 The vermillion flycatcher at Paine’s Creek Beach in Brewster has not been seen since the Oct. 26. BostonGlobe.com, 9 Nov. 2022 The scientists assessed a number of papers stretching back as far as 2004 to draw their conclusion, researching the behavior of species including the Acadian flycatcher, brown-headed cowbird, indigo bunting and worm-eating warbler. Sara Spary, CNN, 16 Nov. 2020 The work, namely noise from the helicopter, also can't interrupt the breeding season for the Mexican spotted owl, the southwestern willow flycatcher and other endangered species. CBS News, 17 Feb. 2023 The Hammond’s flycatcher continued at Peterson’s Farm in Falmouth. BostonGlobe.com, 7 Dec. 2022 Pond in Brookline, an acadian flycatcher at the Sharon Memorial Cemetery in Sharon, and a mourning warbler in Dedham. BostonGlobe.com, 21 May 2022 Three least flycatchers in Williamstown and a willow flycatcher in Pittsfield. BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2022 What the heck is a vermilion flycatcher doing in Massachusetts? Eric Williams, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flycatcher.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flycatcher was in 1678

Dictionary Entries Near flycatcher

Cite this Entry

“Flycatcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flycatcher. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

flycatcher

noun
fly·​catch·​er -ˌkach-ər How to pronounce flycatcher (audio)
-ˌkech-
: a small bird that feeds on insects that it captures in the air

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