redwing
redwing Lexical Profile
redwing Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A widely distributed blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) of North and Central America, commonly known as the red-winged blackbird, the male of which is distinguished by bright red shoulder patches.
"As we walked through the wetlands, a male redwing perched on a swaying cattail and delivered its distinctive, trilling call to defend its territory."
A small Eurasian thrush (Turdus iliacus) characterized by its prominent white supercilium (eyestripe) and rusty-red underwing coverts and flanks.
"During the harsh winter, large flocks of redwings migrated south to forage for rowan berries in the British countryside."
Word Nuance & Usage
The term 'redwing' refers to entirely different, unrelated bird species depending on the region: in Europe and Asia, it denotes a type of migratory thrush, while in North America, it serves as a common shorthand for the red-winged blackbird.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'redwyng', a compound of 'red' + 'wing'. The name directly references the characteristic reddish or rusty feathers on the wings or underwings of the distinct bird species it describes.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.