blue grosbeak

noun

1. a grosbeak, Guiraca caerulea, of the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, the male of which is blue with two rusty bars on each wing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blue grosbeak¹

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

A friend had reported a bird — specifically, a blue grosbeak — hanging out by the airport near their Rockford, Illinois, home, so they hopped into their car and raced over to see it.

From Washington Post

She lives in Kensington and first visited RedGate last summer when news spread that a blue grosbeak had been spotted there.

From Washington Post

Blue grosbeak, diamondback terrapins and northern snapping turtles also are spotted regularly.

From Seattle Times

Other new breeding species include the eastern meadowlark, known for its sharp call; the blue grosbeak, a striking blue relative of the cardinal; and the bobolink, a bumblebee-colored blackbird that migrates 12,500 miles annually.

From New York Times

Ornithologists suggest that it is either a mutation of the Dickcissel or a hybrid of Dickcissel and Blue Grosbeak, she said.

From New York Times