Pronunciation: [sˈe͡ɪɔːnˌiz] (IPA) 
Sayornis is a genus of small tyrant flycatchers found in the Americas. The spelling of "Sayornis" is pronounced /seɪˈɔːrnɪs/ using the IPA transcription. The first part "say" is pronounced as "seɪ" and the second part "ornis" is pronounced as "ˈɔːrnɪs". The word "Sayornis" is derived from the name of American naturalist Thomas Say, who was well-known for his work in entomology and in the study of the American West.
Sayornis is a genus of small passerine birds that belong to the tyrant flycatcher family, Tyrannidae. The name Sayornis originates from Thomas Say, an American naturalist, who was known for his significant contributions to the study of American entomology and ornithology.
Members of the Sayornis genus, commonly referred to as phoebes, typically possess a slender body with a long, flat bill, a relatively long tail, and short wings. They are mostly cinnamon-brown or grayish-brown in color, with white undersides and a hint of yellow on the belly. These birds are primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates, which are often caught mid-air during their characteristic acrobatic flights.
Sayornis species are native to North and Central America, where they inhabit a variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannahs, open countryside, and sometimes even urban areas. They are known for their distinct call that corresponds with their name, producing a raspy “phoe-bee” or “fee-bee” sound, from which they derive their common name.
These birds often build cup-shaped nests near rivers, streams, or human-made structures, such as buildings or bridges. Females lay a clutch of eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Sayornis species are migratory birds, with some populations traveling long distances to breed in the northern regions during the summer and then migrating towards the southern parts of their range during the winter months.
Overall, Sayornis is a diverse genus of small flycatcher birds that are known for their distinctive call, agile flight, and insectivorous feeding habits.
The word "Sayornis" has its roots in Latin and Greek. It is derived from the Latin word "sayus" meaning "a kind of small bird" and the Greek word "ornis" meaning "bird". The combination of these words forms "Sayornis", which is the genus name for the group of birds commonly known as phoebes.
