crow blackbird

American  

noun

1. any of several North American grackles, especially purple grackles of the genus Quiscalus.

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crow blackbird British  

noun

1. another name for grackle

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Etymology

Origin of crow blackbird

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80

Example Sentences

The crow blackbirds are in the advance-guard of the returning hosts of spring, making their appearance in small scattering flocks, and announcing their presence by loud smacks frequently repeated.

From Project Gutenberg

A college professor wrote me that he had seen a crow blackbird catch a small fish and fly away with it in its beak.

From Project Gutenberg

The crow blackbird's attempts at song are ludicrous in the extreme, as every note is cracked, and is accompanied by a ridiculous caudal gesture.

From Project Gutenberg

First of the fledglings to appear were a family of crow blackbirds, four of them with their parents.

From Project Gutenberg

My first thought was: "It is only a crow blackbird."

From Project Gutenberg