grass finch

American  

Or grassfinch

noun

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

2. the vesper sparrow.

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Etymology

Origin of grass finch

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

grass finch

In one of the stumpy fields I saw an old favorite in the grass finch or vesper swallow.

From Wake-Robin by Burroughs, John

What was especially interesting was that the lark had "singled out with affection" one of our native birds, and the one that most resembled its kind, namely, the vesper sparrow, or grass finch.

From The Writings of John Burroughs — Volume 05: Pepacton by Burroughs, John

And the young junco shows, in its striped appearance of breast and back, and the20 lateral white quills in the tail, its kinship to the grass finch or vesper sparrow.

From Under the Maples by Burroughs, John

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

From Under the Maples by Burroughs, John

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

From The Foot-path Way by Torrey, Bradford