grasshopper sparrow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low Frequency, Technical/Niche)Technical (Ornithology/Ecology), Regional (North America)
Quick answer
What does “grasshopper sparrow” mean?
A small North American sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) characterized by its insect-like, buzzing song.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small North American sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) characterized by its insect-like, buzzing song.
A secretive bird of open grasslands and fields, named for its vocal resemblance to the sound of a grasshopper; often used as an indicator species for healthy prairie ecosystems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is American in origin and refers to a New World bird. British usage would only occur in ornithological or birdwatching contexts. Americans in relevant regions are more likely to be familiar with the bird.
Connotations
In the US: connotes specific grassland habitats, conservation concerns, and skilled birding. In the UK: connotes expert bird knowledge or North American fauna.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general British English; low-to-medium in relevant American regions (e.g., Midwest, Prairie states).
Grammar
How to Use “grasshopper sparrow” in a Sentence
The [adjective] grasshopper sparrow [verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in ecology, conservation biology, and ornithology papers: 'The study monitored grasshopper sparrow nesting success in restored prairies.'
Everyday
Rare. Possible among birdwatchers or in rural areas of its range: 'I think I heard a grasshopper sparrow in the field behind the farm.'
Technical
Primary context: species identification, habitat management plans, environmental impact assessments, and biodiversity surveys.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grasshopper sparrow”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grasshopper sparrow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grasshopper sparrow”
- Using 'grasshopper' as an adjective describing the bird's diet (it eats seeds and insects, not exclusively grasshoppers).
- Assuming it is a type of insect.
- Pluralizing incorrectly: 'grasshoppers sparrows' (correct: grasshopper sparrows).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a small bird. The name comes from the insect-like sound of its song.
They are native to North America, primarily in open grasslands, prairies, and hayfields.
It is considered an indicator species for the health of grassland ecosystems, and its populations are threatened by habitat destruction.
It is challenging. They are secretive, nest on the ground, and are often identified by their song rather than sight.
A small North American sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) characterized by its insect-like, buzzing song.
Grasshopper sparrow is usually technical (ornithology/ecology), regional (north america) in register.
Grasshopper sparrow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɑːsˌhɒpə ˈspærəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡræsˌhɑːpər ˈspɛroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'It's a SPARROW that sounds like a GRASSHOPPER' (its song buzzes). Combine the two words.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SOUND IS A SIGNATURE (its distinctive song defines its identity).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic that gives the grasshopper sparrow its name?