snowfinch
snowfinch Lexical Profile
• noun
A robust, small songbird belonging to the genus Montifringilla (or related genera) in the sparrow family, typically characterized by striking black, white, and brown plumage and adapted to high-altitude mountainous environments in Eurasia.
"While traversing the upper Alpine passes, the ornithologist successfully photographed a white-winged snowfinch foraging for seeds among the rocky crevices."
Word Nuance & Usage
Despite its name, the snowfinch is actually a member of the Old World sparrow family (Passeridae), rather than a true finch (Fringillidae).
Word Origin & Etymology
A compound of 'snow' and 'finch', originally applied to the White-winged Snowfinch (Montifringilla nivalis) because of its striking white plumage and its harsh, high-altitude alpine habitat.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.