blue grosbeak

noun

1. a grosbeak, Guiraca caerulea, of the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, the male of which is blue with two rusty bars on each wing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue grosbeak¹

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

But no matter; the bird was a blue grosbeak, for the sufficient reason that it could not be anything else.

From Project Gutenberg

Its original, the blue grosbeak, is an uncertain wanderer from the south, as the pine grosbeak is from the north.

From Project Gutenberg

Indigo-bird, or indigo bunting (Cyanospiza cyanea), a petit duplicate of the blue grosbeak; song of; nest of.

From Project Gutenberg

The Blue Grosbeak is an unfamiliar bird to most eastern students.

From Project Gutenberg

I quickened my steps, and to my delight the singer proved to be a blue grosbeak.

From Project Gutenberg