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 parrot, macaw and toucan are found in all parts; the crow, blackbird, Mexican jay, ricebird, swallow, rainbird, wood-pecker, humming-bird and trogon are also widely distributed.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various

Another visitor of whom the kingbird seemed suspicious was a purple crow blackbird, who every day passed over.

From Little Brothers of the Air by Miller, Olive Thorne

The crow fights the hawk, and the kingbird and the crow blackbird fight the crow; but neither takes any notice of the buzzard.

From Wake-Robin by Burroughs, John

I have myself seen a crow blackbird kill an English sparrow.

From Ways of Nature by Burroughs, John

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 Ways of Nature by Burroughs, John