Fairy Flycatchers

The Stenostiridae, commonly known as fairy flycatchers or stenostirid warblers, are a family of small passerine birds recently defined through molecular systematics studies. Initially, the fairy flycatcher, belonging to the genus Stenostira, was part of the Old World flycatchers, but now it is grouped with similar birds such as the Elminia species, the Yellow-bellied fantail from the genus Chelidorhynx, and the Grey-headed and Citrine canary-flycatchers of the genus Culicicapa, which includes species previously thought to be different due to their morphological traits. Some other African or Asian birds might also belong to this clade, like the tit-flycatchers. This family is thought to be closely related to penduline tits, titmice, and chickadees, suggesting a connection with the Sylvioidea superfamily, though this relationship requires further evidence for stronger support.