crow blackbird

American  

noun

1. any of several North American grackles, especially purple grackles of the genus Quiscalus.

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crow blackbird British  

noun

1. another name for grackle

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Etymology

Origin of crow blackbird

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80

Example Sentences

He chased the crow blackbird who happened to fly over on business of his own, and by calls for help brought the whole robin population about the ears of the intruder.

From Little Brothers of the Air by Miller, Olive Thorne

I have myself seen a crow blackbird kill an English sparrow.

From Ways of Nature by Burroughs, John

A college professor wrote me that he had seen a crow blackbird catch a small fish and fly away with it in its beak.

From Ways of Nature by Burroughs, John

The parrot, macaw and toucan are found in all parts; the crow, blackbird, Mexican jay, ricebird, swallow, rainbird, wood-pecker, humming-bird and trogon are also widely distributed.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various

The crow fights the hawk, and the kingbird and the crow blackbird fight the crow; but neither takes any notice of the buzzard.

From Wake-Robin by Burroughs, John