dickcissel

[ dik-sis-uhl ]

noun

1. a bunting, Spiza americana, of the eastern and central U.S., having a brownish back streaked with black and a yellowish breast and in the male a black patch on the throat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dickcissel¹

First recorded in 1885–90; said to be imitative of its call

Example Sentences

The opening syllabication is like dickcissel's; then follows a trill of no specially definable character.

From Project Gutenberg

Still the dickcissel, the lark sparrow and the indigo bunting continued their trio.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, the only typical prairie bird that breeds on the Reservation is the dickcissel (Spiza americana).

From Project Gutenberg

The Dickcissel, Spiza americana, possesses certain features which merit special discussion.

From Project Gutenberg