ricebird

[rahys-burd]

noun

1. Southern U.S.,  the bobolink.

2. Java sparrow.

3. any of several other birds that frequent rice fields.

ricebird

/ ˈraɪsˌbɜːd /

noun

1. any of various birds frequenting rice fields, esp the Java sparrow

Word History and Origins

Origin of ricebird¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; rice + bird

Example Sentences

It goes North as the bobolink and goes South as the reedbird or ricebird.

From Project Gutenberg

He has once more changed his name, and is now the famous ricebird of the Carolinas.

From Project Gutenberg

This was not the first time I had heard the redwing called the ricebird.

From Project Gutenberg

When the woman uncovered the basket, Tilin, the little brown ricebird, flew away, calling: “Good-bye, mother; good-bye, mother; you would not give me mo′-tĭng!”

From Project Gutenberg