grass finch

or grassfinch

noun

1. any of several Australian weaverbirds, especially of the genus Poephila.
2. the vesper sparrow.

Word History and Origins

Origin of grass finch¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

Wilson, I believe, calls him the Grass-Finch, and was evidently unacquainted with his powers of song.

From Project Gutenberg

I believe the bird was called the grass finch by our earlier writers.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the foremost birds in the spring movement is the grass-finch (vesper-sparrow or bay-winged bunting).

From Project Gutenberg

Wilson, I believe, calls him the grass-finch, and was evidently unacquainted with his powers of song.

From Project Gutenberg

How welcome, too, were the hearty music of the robin and the carol of the grass finch!

From Project Gutenberg