vesper sparrow

noun

1. a common finch, Pooecetes gramineus, of fields and pastures in North America, noted for its evening song.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vesper sparrow¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

The spring birder may see trumpeter swans, secretive vesper sparrows, indigo buntings and blue-winged warblers.

From New York Times

The just-risen full moon bobbed and weaved over the hilltops like a vesper sparrow chasing a dragonfly.

From Wall Street Journal

When bobolinks are present, other grassland bird species such as savannah sparrows and vesper sparrows may also be nesting among the grasses.

From Seattle Times

However sung, the song, which makes the uplands tuneful all day and every day from April to August, does not vary its quality, which is as fine as the vesper sparrow's.

From Project Gutenberg

Like the vesper sparrows, these birds sometimes build a plain, grassy nest, unprotected by overhanging bush, flat upon the ground.

From Project Gutenberg