Also snow finch. [f. SNOW sb.1] A species of mountain-finch. (See also quot. 1839.)
1783. Latham, Gen. Synop. Birds, II. I. 264. Snow Finch inhabits various parts of the European continent.
1829. Griffith, trans. Cuvier, VII. 139. The Snow Finch, Fringilla Nivalis.
1839. Audubon, Ornith. Biog., V. 68. Oregon Snow-Finch, Fringilla Oregona.
1882. Encycl. Brit., XIV. 676. The Snow-Finch of the Alps, M[ontifringilla] nivalis, so often mistaken by travellers for the Snow-Bunting, Plectrophanes nivalis.
18945. Lydekker, Roy. Nat. Hist., III. 388. The snow-finches form a small group possessing the characteristic form of the true finches.