ˈpaddy-bird
[f. paddy n.1 + bird n.]
1. The Java sparrow, Padda (or Munia) oryzivora.
| 1727 A. Hamilton New Acc. E. Ind. I. xiv. 161 The Paddy⁓bird is also good in their Season. |
2. Anglo-Indian name for species of white egret, which frequent the paddy-fields.
| 1858 R. Hunter in Mitchell Mem. R. Nesbit 406 Egrets or white herons, by Anglo-Indians with little taste termed paddy-birds. 1884 Miss C. F. G. Cumming in Macm. Mag. Feb. 303/1 Multitudes of spirit-like white cranes, or paddy⁓birds, paddle about. |
3. A species of Sheathbill, Chionis minor.
| 1894 Newton Dict. Birds 832 note, The cognate species of Kerguelen Land is named by the sealers ‘Sore-eyed Pigeon’,..as well as ‘Paddy-bird’—the last perhaps from its white plumage resembling that of some of the smaller Egrets. |