field sparrow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized (ornithology, birdwatching); technical in formal contexts; informal/neutral among nature enthusiasts.
Quick answer
What does “field sparrow” mean?
A small, common North American songbird (Spizella pusilla) with a brown-streaked back, plain gray breast, and a pink bill, known for its sweet, plaintive song.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, common North American songbird (Spizella pusilla) with a brown-streaked back, plain gray breast, and a pink bill, known for its sweet, plaintive song.
The term can refer to the bird itself, its specific habitat (open, weedy fields and overgrown pastures), and, in a very specialized context, to a niche subfield of ornithology focusing on this species. It is rarely used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The species is native to North America, so the term is American English. British speakers would recognize it as a specific bird name but not use it in local contexts (the bird is not found in the UK).
Connotations
In the US, it connotes rural, open landscapes and spring/summer birding. In the UK, it is a purely ornithological term for a foreign species.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general UK English; low-to-moderate in relevant US contexts (birding guides, nature writing).
Grammar
How to Use “field sparrow” in a Sentence
The [adjective] field sparrow [verb] in the [noun].We heard/saw a field sparrow [verb-ing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “field sparrow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used attributively.
American English
- Rare attributive use: 'a field-sparrow habitat' (usually hyphenated).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in ornithology, ecology, and conservation biology papers: 'The study monitored field sparrow breeding success in fragmented habitats.'
Everyday
Used by birdwatchers and in nature contexts: 'Listen for the field sparrow's sweet trill in the overgrown field.'
Technical
Used in field guides and species accounts: 'Field Sparrow: ID by unstreaked gray breast, pink bill, and white eye-ring.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “field sparrow”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “field sparrow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “field sparrow”
- Confusing it with other 'field' birds (e.g., fieldfare, a European thrush).
- Using it as a general term for any sparrow in a field.
- Misspelling as 'fieldsparrow' (should be two words or hyphenated: field-sparrow).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the field sparrow (Spizella pusilla) is a species native to North America and is not found in the wild in the UK.
Key identification features include an unstreaked gray breast, a plain face with a white eye-ring, a pink bill, and a brown-streaked back. Its habitat in open fields is also a strong clue.
No, it is the specific common name for Spizella pusilla. Using it for other sparrows (e.g., a savannah sparrow in a field) would be incorrect ornithologically.
No, it is a highly specialized term. In everyday conversation, most people would simply say 'a sparrow' unless they are bird enthusiasts or in a specific geographical context.
A small, common North American songbird (Spizella pusilla) with a brown-streaked back, plain gray breast, and a pink bill, known for its sweet, plaintive song.
Field sparrow is usually specialized (ornithology, birdwatching); technical in formal contexts; informal/neutral among nature enthusiasts. in register.
Field sparrow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfiːld ˌspær.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfild ˌspɛroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely referential.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FIELDS are its home, it's a SPARROW.' Link the 'field' habitat to the bird's name.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; the term is a literal species designation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary habitat of the field sparrow?