rusty blackbird

noun

1. a North American blackbird, Euphagus carolinus, the male of which has plumage that is uniformly bluish-black in the spring and rusty-edged in the fall.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rusty blackbird¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

Designated a National Wildlife Area in 2022, it's home to a diverse mix of northern wildlife, including woodland caribou, peregrine falcons, wood bison, wolverines and rusty blackbirds, according to Canadian government data.

From Salon

In a 2012 study, scientists concluded that climate change had likely contributed to the decline of the once-common rusty blackbird, which has seen its range in Maine retract northward as temperatures have risen.

From New York Times

The new study found dangerously high levels of mercury in several Northeastern bird species, including rusty blackbirds, saltmarsh sparrows and wood thrushes.

From New York Times

Cardinals, juncos, jays, nuthatches, tufted titmice and rusty blackbirds — the blackbirds were unusual here, possibly driven astray by storms — also arrived for treats, though none came as close.

From New York Times

Tommy picking up the cat and stroking its fur mechanically, while he stared out through the kitchen window at rusty blackbirds on the wing ...

From Project Gutenberg