noun
grosbeak
GROHS-beek/ɡrˈoʊsbˌik/
A songbird with a large, thick bill for cracking seeds.
A grosbeak cracks a sunflower seed with its thick bill.
Etymology
The pieces describe a large, thick bill. The bird’s name partly translates French grosbec, identifying it by its conspicuous beak rather than its song.
In context
Also, listen for a short note that can often give away the location of a grosbeak hidden in the leaves.
More examples
- Two grosbeaks visit our backyard feeder every morning.
- We hear a grosbeak singing from the treetops.
- The rose-breasted grosbeak has a bright patch on its chest.
Forms
grosbeak · grosbeaks