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

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

From Under the Maples by Burroughs, John

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

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

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

From Wake-Robin 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