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Glite Dictionary
chipping sparrow

chipping sparrow

6.0
A small North American bird with a reddish crown common in gardens and parks
  • noun
  • /ˈʧɪpɪŋ ˈspɛroʊ/
  • US
translation icon : gorrión de corona rufa
  • A chipping sparrow landed on the garden fence, its rufous cap gleaming in the sunlight.

Examples

  • During spring, the chipping sparrow is often heard singing its distinctive trill.

  • The chipping sparrow sings beautifully in the morning.

  • We spotted several chipping sparrows searching for seeds in the city park.

  • I spotted a chipping sparrow in the garden.

  • In my garden, I often spot a chipping sparrow hopping around, searching for seeds.

  • Last spring, a chipping sparrow built a nest in the bush beside my patio.

  • The cheerful song of the chipping sparrow filled the air as I enjoyed my morning coffee.

Synonyms

Spizella passerina
vschipping sparrow
  • Specialized
9.6

A small North American bird often seen in towns and gardens

is the everyday common name used in gardens and urban areas

Surface Forms

chipping sparrow singular
chipping sparrows plural

Morphology

chipping + sparrow

The compound is partially interpretable: a B1 learner who knows 'chipping' and 'sparrow' can plausibly infer it names a kind of sparrow characterized by 'chipping' (making short sharp calls or sounds), so there is a clear link to the constituents. However, the exact species identity, coloration and range (rufous crown, North American distribution) are not derivable from the words alone, so the relation is only partly predictable without prior exposure.

Etymology

Chipping sparrow gets its name from the bird's sharp 'chip' notes and quick, chattering song. The word chipping describes its short 'chip' sound and sparrow tells you it is a small, common bird, so the name helps you remember the bird by its song.