tyranii

Tyranni, also referred to as the suboscines, is a clade within the order Passeriformes that comprises a large and diverse group of perching birds. The name appears in various spellings in the literature, including Tyranni and tyrani; some older texts use tyranii, but standard modern usage typically treats Tyranni as the capitalized clade name. The group is one of the two primary divisions of passerines, the other being the oscines (Passeri).

Taxonomy and composition: Tyranni includes numerous families such as Tyrannidae (tyrant flycatchers) and Furnariidae (ovenbirds), among others. The exact circumscription has varied with advances in molecular phylogenetics, but the suboscines are generally recognized by their simpler, innate vocalizations and distinct syrinx structure compared to oscines. The lineage shows extensive diversification across the Americas and other tropical regions, with a wide range of habitats and life histories.

Characteristics and ecology: Suboscines tend to have less elaborate vocal displays, and their songs are largely innate rather than learned. They occupy a wide range of habitats, from forests to open woodlands and scrub, with a substantial portion of diversity in tropical regions of the Americas. Diets are varied, including insects, fruit, and other small invertebrates, depending on species. Nesting practices and reproductive strategies vary widely across families and genera.

Evolution and phylogeny: The Tyranni are believed to have diverged from other passerines early in the evolutionary history of the group. Molecular studies have reshaped their internal relationships, leading to revisions in family-level classifications and offering insights into the broader diversification of passerines and the evolution of vocal communication in birds.