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

The hemp-stalks bend so low under the weight of their plumes, that were a vesper sparrow to alight on one for his evening hymn, it would go with him to the ground.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 1 by Runkle, Lucia Isabella Gilbert

Skylark, song of, 32-34, 37; in America, 33, 34; Scotchman and, 33; Irishman and, 34; wooing a vesper sparrow, 40; a caged, 69.

From Ways of Nature by Burroughs, John

This vesper sparrow in bringing food to her young, going through the same tactics over and over, learns no more than a machine would.

From Under the Maples 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

Through the stillness the whispers of the great elm on the lawn could be heard blending with the song of a vesper sparrow.

From The Wall Between by Bassett, Sara Ware