lincoln's sparrow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Ornithological
Quick answer
What does “lincoln's sparrow” mean?
A small, secretive North American songbird with distinctive streaking on its breast.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, secretive North American songbird with distinctive streaking on its breast.
A migratory bird of the New World sparrow family (Passerellidae), scientifically named Melospiza lincolnii. It is known for its rich, melodious song, often heard from dense cover. It is named after the 19th-century ornithologist Thomas Lincoln.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As the species is North American, the term is predominantly used in American English contexts, though understood by British birdwatchers. The British may be more likely to refer to it with a qualifier like 'American sparrow' in general conversation.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes specific ornithological knowledge and birdwatching expertise.
Frequency
Rare in general discourse; frequency is identical and very low in both varieties, limited to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “lincoln's sparrow” in a Sentence
[Observer] spotted/heard/saw a Lincoln's sparrow [in LOCATION]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lincoln's sparrow” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Lincoln's sparrow is a much-sought-after sighting for twitchers in the UK during rare vagrant occurrences.
American English
- We finally identified the Lincoln's sparrow by its finely streaked breast and buffy moustachial stripe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in biological and ecological research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside birdwatching circles.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology guides, field manuals, and birding checklists.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lincoln's sparrow”
- Misspelling as "Lincoln Sparrow" (omitting the apostrophe+s).
- Incorrect capitalization: "lincoln's sparrow".
- Confusing it with the similar-looking Song Sparrow.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is named after Thomas Lincoln, a companion of ornithologist John James Audubon who first collected the specimen.
During summer, it breeds in boggy areas across Canada and the northern US. It migrates to the southern US and Mexico for winter, often hiding in dense thickets.
The Lincoln's sparrow has finer, more distinct streaking on a buffy breast with a clear border, whereas the Song Sparrow has coarser, blurrier streaks that often converge into a central breast spot.
It is an exceptionally secretive bird, preferring to remain hidden in dense vegetation, even when singing, which makes direct observation challenging.
A small, secretive North American songbird with distinctive streaking on its breast.
Lincoln's sparrow is usually technical/ornithological in register.
Lincoln's sparrow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪŋkənz ˈspærəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪŋkənz ˈspɛroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of President Lincoln giving a speech: the sparrow's song is its eloquent, melodic 'address' from the bushes.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HIDDEN TREASURE (due to its secretive nature and beautiful, often concealed song).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the term 'Lincoln's sparrow'?