harvest mouse

American  

noun

1. an Old World field mouse, Micromys minutus, that builds a spherical nest among the stems of grains and other plants.

2. any of several New World mice of the genus Reithrodontomys having similar habits.

---

harvest mouse British  

noun

1. a very small reddish-brown Eurasian mouse, Micromys minutus, inhabiting cornfields, hedgerows, etc, and feeding on grain and seeds: family Muridae

2. American harvest mouse any small greyish mouse of the American genus Reithrodontomys: family Cricetidae

---

Etymology

Origin of harvest mouse

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

"It's been a complete surprise to discover we might have a population of harvest mice on the community-owned TVNR," she said.

From BBC

A decade later, now a professional camera operator, he found himself in a sunny field in Greenford, filming close up shots of Sir David releasing harvest mice on to a grass frond.

From BBC

In Greenford, west London, Sir David gently cradles a tiny harvest mouse before releasing it into a meadow.

From BBC

The harvest mice, which are an endangered species, tend to favour warmer and drier conditions than they would encounter normally in the wild in Scotland.

From BBC

“Hurry, get the six best field and harvest mouse archers! Those birds have got to be stopped immediately.”

From Literature