vesper sparrow

American  

noun

1. a common finch, Pooecetes gramineus, of fields and pastures in North America, noted for its evening song.

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Etymology

Origin of vesper sparrow

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vesper sparrow

The time will come, no doubt, when they will have a well-recognized place in bird literature, just as the chippie, the vesper sparrow, and the song sparrow have to-day.

From Our Bird Comrades by Keyser, Leander S. (Leander Sylvester)

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

The song is of the sparrow kind, and, in its best parts, perpetually suggested the notes of our vesper sparrow; but the wonder of it is its copiousness and sustained strength.

From Winter Sunshine by Burroughs, John

The vesper sparrow has only peace and gentleness in its strain.

From Birds and Poets : with Other Papers by Burroughs, John

No sign of human life was here, and the sweet song of a vesper sparrow was the only sound which broke the stillness of the evening.

From The Unknown Wrestler by Cody, H. A. (Hiram Alfred)