noun

• 1US, Caribbean The bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus, flocks of which often frequent rice fields while on migration. Compare "rice bunting", reed-bird .

• 2Any of various other birds, especially songbirds, (supposedly) found in rice fields.

  Formerly frequently as an item of food, as were bobolinks.

• 3The Java sparrow, Padda oryzivora (family Estrildidae), which frequents rice fields in Asia and is popular as a cage bird.