See text The genus Empidonax is a group of small insect-eating passerine birds in the tyrant flycatcher family, the Tyrannidae.

The genus name Empidonax is from Ancient Greek empis, "gnat", and anax, "master".

[2] Most of these birds are very similar in plumage: olive on the upper parts with light underparts, eye rings and wing bars.

In the nesting season they may be distinguished by range, habitat and call; in other situations, particularly on migration and in winter, it may not be possible to be sure of specific identification.

Empidonax flycatchers often flick their wings and tails rapidly.