snow-bird

A small snow-bird hops on the snowy ground looking for seeds.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of bird: "snow-bird" refers to a small bird, typically the snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), that is often seen in snowy or cold regions.
   • A seasonal migrant (informal, US): In informal American English, "snow-bird" can refer to a person who moves to a warmer climate during the winter months, especially retirees from northern areas.
   • A cocaine user (slang, US): In slang, "snow-bird" is a term for a person who is addicted to or regularly uses cocaine, as "snow" is a slang word for the drug.

Usage Examples

• As a bird:
  • We spotted a snow-bird hopping across the frozen tundra. (A small bird adapted to cold environments.)
• As a seasonal migrant:
  • My grandparents are snow-birds; they spend winters in Florida. (They move south to avoid cold weather.)
• As a slang term:
  • The police arrested a known snow-bird during the drug raid. (A person who uses cocaine.)

Advanced Usage

• "Snow-bird" as a compound noun: The term is often used in travel contexts or wildlife observation.
  • The snow-bird population in the southern states increases dramatically each November. (Referring to both birds and human migrants, depending on context.)

Variants and Related Words

• Snow bunting (n): the full name of the bird species.
  • The snow bunting is known for its white plumage in winter.
• Snowbird (n): a common spelling variant, especially for the human migrant meaning.
  • Many snowbirds book their condos months in advance.

Synonyms

• For the bird: , (archaic).
• For the human migrant: , .
• For the drug user: , (slang: ).

Related Idioms

• "Follow the snow-birds": an informal phrase meaning to travel south for winter.
  • They decided to follow the snow-birds and head to Arizona. (Imitating the migratory pattern of retirees.)

Phrasal Verbs

• "Snow-bird down": (rare, informal) to settle in a warm place for winter.
  • They snow-bird down in Texas every year. (They migrate south for the season.)