There are around 450 species in this family. They are found in North, Central, and South America and in the Caribbean. Most species are found in tropical areas.

Tyrant flycatchers are small to medium-sized birds between 3 to 16 inches in length. They are usually gray, brown, or olive-green in color, although some species are more brightly colored.

Some species have crests that are more colorful than the rest of their plumage. Tyrant flycatchers eat insects.