Quick links
snowbird
DCHP-2 (Jun 2011)
Spelling variants:Snowbird
1an. — Canada-US relations, originally humorous
a Canadian who spends the winter in warmer southern locales, usually in the southern US.
Type: 4. Culturally Significant — Although it is unclear if the term is an American (see the 1956 quotation) or a Canadian neologism (see the 1958 quotation), snowbird 'seasonal traveller/resident' has existed in Canadian upper-middle-class circles since at least World War II.
The term snowbird began to enter the mainstream Canadian lexicon in the 1970s, perhaps thanks to the popular hit song Snowbird by Anne Murray, which topped both Canadian and US charts in 1970, often in a humorous manner (see, e.g., the second 1978 quotation). While there was an increase in the use of the term in the late 1970s, mention of snowbirds in mainstream media saw a considerable increase in the 1990s and 2000s, due to general economic prosperity and the widespread affordability of commercial air travel for the middle classes in those years.
Semantically, the name is a direct transfer of migratory birds to humans, a metaphor that often extends beyond flying (1988 quotation) to flocking (1990 quotation).
The term snowbird began to enter the mainstream Canadian lexicon in the 1970s, perhaps thanks to the popular hit song Snowbird by Anne Murray, which topped both Canadian and US charts in 1970, often in a humorous manner (see, e.g., the second 1978 quotation). While there was an increase in the use of the term in the late 1970s, mention of snowbirds in mainstream media saw a considerable increase in the 1990s and 2000s, due to general economic prosperity and the widespread affordability of commercial air travel for the middle classes in those years.
Semantically, the name is a direct transfer of migratory birds to humans, a metaphor that often extends beyond flying (1988 quotation) to flocking (1990 quotation).
Quotations
1956
[If you want to come and job hunt in Miami, say the city fathers, be prepared to support yourself and your family for six months to a year. Otherwise you'll be eating grits and grunts with the snowbirds. (Hominy grits cost ten cents a pound. The grunts are fish that you catch in Biscayne Bay. Snowbirds, of course, are the thousands of people who drift down each winter, try to get employment, then drift off again in the spring.)]
1958
There has been an influx of plant construction workers and "snowbirds," the winter vacationers from the north.
1973
Many natives seem to be highly amused at the antics of the thousands of palefaced snowbirds who invade the state from the north each year.
1978
Snowbird returns to late spring. At this time of year, when the creeks start to run, fish to move, birds to build [...] Charlier, recently re-elected president of the Toronto-Oshawa Golfing and Fishing, Pool-playing, Hunting Union, is such an animal, a snowbird. He's back from the south and suitably tanned.
1989
Such a relationship, he said, "means that tens of thousands of jobs depend on this bilateral trade."
Canadian tourism to Mexico is on the increase.
At least 700 charter flights entered Mexico last year bringing about 500,000 "Canadian snowbirds," Prevost said.
They left behind hard currency which Mexico needs to help pay off its foreign debt.
The government recently revised regulations on foreign investment.
1992
Suites help sleeping along snowbird route
"We are senior citizens who spend half the year in the South, and we suffer from all the ailments and frustrations that come with age" writes L.S Frost of Honey Harbour, Ont.
2000
Moreover, we are heading into what is usually a seasonally soft period of the year for the loonie, as the snowbirds head south and, in strong- profit periods such as this one, dividends from the U.S. multinationals get repatriated as year-end approaches.
2006
Barton and Faye shared the snowbird life, spending parts of the year in Mesa, AZ. They enjoyed the tennis, sunshine and social life in "The Park."
2009
The Churches are classic snowbirds -- they mosey around up north in the summer, then split for Mexico or the U.S. southwest for the fall and winter. They've written seven travel books aimed at RVers.
"We've got around quite a bit," notes Church, 58.
"We've been in all the states of Mexico at least six times, we've been as far south as Panama, we've travelled throughout Europe and into Greece and Turkey."
Because they live full time in their rig, they also are great at dispensing advice on the RV lifestyle. This is key, because given the current economic malaise, people are being more cautious about getting into recreational vehicles.
2015
Meanwhile, neither the Senators nor hospital officials would say why Melnyk qualified to receive a liver transplant at a hospital in Toronto given he is a permanent resident of Barbados. Eligibility rules under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan require patients to make their primary residence in Ontario and spend at least 153 days in any 12-month period to maintain coverage. The "snowbird" provision prevents patients from returning to Ontario only when they need health care.
2023
But there are snowbirds and there are smart snowbirds. What's the difference? A snowbird goes to Florida or another area in the Sunbelt, buys a condo, puts title in their name alone or as a couple, vacations there and believes all is good, which it probably is until something happens.
Remember a familiar saying about death and taxes? So, what happens if a Canadian snowbird passes away owning Florida property?
1bn. — Mining, Commerce, obsolete
a small mining business that operates only for a very short period of time.
Type: 4. Culturally Significant — These businesses usually operate in the winter, hence the name (see the 1949 quotation). This meaning of snowbird is no longer current.
Quotations
1927
It was found that the respondents combined among themselves to prevent certain dealers that they considered to be "irregulars" or "snowbirds" from obtaining sufficient supplies of coals from shippers and in so doing circulated false and disparaging statements concerning the equipment and business methods of these "snowbirds."
1932
This intensified a condition that had always been bothersome, the necessity of maintaining excess capacity even in normal times to take care of seasonal demands and fluctuations in business demands...
Besides these, there are many mines picturesquely described as "snowbird", "wagon" or "gopher hole"-- mines that start up overnight when prices are sufficiently attractive and as readily close down with no need to worry about overhead.
2an. — Military, Entertainment
an airplane used by Canada's aerobatic flying team.
Type: 1. Origin — The Snowbirds are the planes flown by Canada's only aerobatic flying team (see Images 1 and 2). The Snowbirds were formed in the 1970s and operate out of Canadian Forces base 15 Wing Moose Jaw, near Moose Jaw, SK. The term Snowbird refers to the CT-114 Tutor planes that were designed and produced by former Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Canadair (see Image 3). The name Snowbird was chosen by the Bushell Park Elementary School at CFB Moose Jaw and adopted in June, 1971. Although Snowbird air shows have resulted in nine fatalities during their fifty-year history (see the first 1978, the 1990 and the 2007 quotations), they remain an icon and source of pride for Canadians (see the second 1978, the 1987, the 2015 and the 2023 quotations).
Quotations
1978
The air force's Snowbird aerobatic team used jet exhausts to draw a huge heart over Parliament's Peace tower a few minutes later.
1987
That image must have appealed to the filming of Tears Are Not Enough two years ago, and their collaboration has led to this lyrical anthem on Canada's world-renowned ace flying team.
Founded in 1931, the Snowbirds have performed across North America almost every year since then , the nine pilots usually being relieved after two years due to the high stress of the job.
1990
After Major Dempsey ordered "Snowbirds, split now," their planes were supposed to diverge. Instead, Capt. Antaya's plane "began to converge on lead and contact was made." It crashed into Lake Ontario seconds later.
2002
A parade of veterans will then join the ceremony, and the tribute will conclude with a bugler performing the Last Post, two minutes of silence and the 21-gun salute. Appearances from the Snowbirds, Canada's CF-18 Hornet and USAF F-15 Eagle will also be made.
2015
From Double-Diamonds to the Maple and several other formations, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds put on a crowd-wowing show Friday at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
After six months of intense and meticulous training and preparation, the Snowbirds took to the skies for their 2015 Home Opener Show in front a throng of friends, families and colleagues.
"Normally it snows at the home opener or the year-end show," said Lt.-Col. Christopher England, commanding officer of the Snowbirds.
2023
He recently bought a jet engine, a power plant that produces about 10,000 pounds of thrust, which translates into 6,000 to 8,000-horsepower. The engine is a military unit, the same engine that powers the Canadian Snowbird aerobatic air show jets, and will feature an afterburner, a device which helps make all the smoke and noise that the fans love.
2bn. — Military, Entertainment
a pilot in Canada's aerobatic flying team.
Type: 1. Origin — The term Snowbird refers to the pilots that fly the CT-114 Tutor planes (see definition 2a), which are also known colloquially as Snowbirds.
Quotations
1989
Trained as a pilot in 1985, Antaya was posted to a training school as an instructor. In 1987, he realized one of his boyhood dreams by being named a member of the Snowbirds. "He really enjoyed being a Snowbird; he thought the aerobatics were wonderful," Saladana said. [referring to deceased Snowbird pilot Capt. Shane Antaya]
2003
Mr. Reilly had been made a Snowbird for help he had given the aerobatic squadron. In that role, and as one of the few pilots in Canada allowed to fly the priceless antique aircraft housed at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum, Mr. Reilly last piloted a plane. With Mr. Reynolds at the controls, the pair set off in a vintage aircraft to participate in the Moose Jaw Air Show, Moose Jaw being the home of the Snowbirds.
2007
They're the icon not only for Canada, but certainly the icon of Moose Jaw. When we lose a Snowbird, the whole community mourns, and our hearts go out to the teammates that are left to carry on. [referring to deceased Snowbird pilot Capt. Shawn McCaughey, SD]
3n. — Fauna
the snow bunting, or, less often, the slate-colored junco, Junco hiemalis.
See: snow bunting
Quotations
1792
The Snow Birds made their first appearance, an unerring harbinger of Spring.
1861
Prince Edward Island has . . . her birds of color, such as the Blue-bird . . . the Snow-bird, and the Cherry-bird.
1958
While the limited supply lasted, Cheneau could fill the orders of favored customers for the succulent little sparrow-sized snowbirds, whose flavor has delighted French and French Canadian gourmets [for centuries].
1963
As I rode nearer, the snowfield turned to a blizzard of flying snowbirds.
1991
The original list, as given, is: Snow goose, Canada goose, great blue heron, Canada jay, tree swallow, snowbird or snow bunting, loon, robin, chickadee and peregrine falcon.
2010
[Much has been said about Canada's "snowbirds," so maybe the snow bunting that is featured in Anne Murray's famous song might be an appropriate choice for our silver-haired Canadians who spend half their year in the U.S.]
4n. — Fauna, outdated
a gray, crestless jay, Perisoreus canadensis.
The name snowbird for Perisoreus canadensis represents an outdated, folk classification that is no longer in use, except in historical sources.
See: Canada jay
Quotations
1959
Grey Jay [is also called] snow bird (From being seen in the snowy season. "Labr."). . . .
2015
Gray Jay
Perisoreus canadensis
Characteristics and Range
Historically known as the Canada Jay, the Gray Jay is one of North America's boldest and most widely distributed jays.
Perisoreus canadensis
Characteristics and Range
Historically known as the Canada Jay, the Gray Jay is one of North America's boldest and most widely distributed jays.
References
Images
Image 1: Snowbirds flying in formation over Port Stanley, ON, on 12 Sep. 2012. Photo: phrawr.
Image 2: Snowbirds flying in formation over Lake Ontario on 5 Sep. 2009. Photo: Erica.
