Plectrophenax nivalis

Snowbird Snow"bird, n. (Zo["o]l.) (a) An arctic finch ({Plectrophenax nivalis} syn. {Plectrophanes nivalis}) common, in winter, both in Europe and the United States, and often appearing in large flocks during snowstorms. It is partially white, but variously marked with chestnut and brown. Called also {snow bunting}, {snowflake}, {snowfleck}, and {snowflight}. (b) Any finch of the genus {Junco} which appears in flocks in winter time, especially {Junco hyemalis} in the Eastern United States; -- called also {blue snowbird}. See {Junco}. (c) The fieldfare. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]