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

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

From Birds of the Rockies by Keyser, Leander S. (Leander Sylvester)

Looking up, they beheld a crow blackbird pausing in midair, a few feet from the window.

From Wake-Robin by Burroughs, John

But on second thought I decided that the crow blackbird did not soar and circle about in this manner.

From Birds of the Rockies by Keyser, Leander S. (Leander Sylvester)

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

Among the first birds that make their appearance in Washington is the crow blackbird.

From Wake-Robin by Burroughs, John