snow bunting

noun

1. a bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis, of the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere having white plumage.

snow bunting

noun

1. a bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis, of northern and arctic regions, having a white plumage with dark markings on the wings, back, and tail

Word History and Origins

Origin of snow bunting¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

At midday, I saw the first flight of the snow bunting (Emberiza nivalis), on the Missouri.

From Project Gutenberg

The sea-gulls circled about, and the snow-bunting whirled around the floes of ice on which the new-fallen snow lay and glittered.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a snow-bunting, bringing them a greeting from the west coast, and their hearts grew warm within them at the welcome sound.

From Project Gutenberg

The Snow Bunting (Plectrophanes nivalis), a white bird more or less varied with black.

From Project Gutenberg

Captain Lyon found a child's grave partly uncovered, and a snow-bunting had built its nest upon the infant's bosom.

From Project Gutenberg