mud hen

or mudhen

noun

1. any of various marsh-inhabiting birds, especially the American coot.

mud hen

noun

1. any of various birds that frequent marshes or similar places, esp the coots, rails, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of mud hen¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Boy and Dr. shot some robins and Jake got a mud hen; and from a passing wagon we secured a roast of beef.

From Project Gutenberg

Seems the doctor said as he thought as it was a golden-headed oriole but the friend thought as it was a mud hen.

From Project Gutenberg

It looked like a cross between a mud hen and a duck, was gray in color and had a short bill.

From Project Gutenberg

Then drawing the magic hook, he baited it with the Alae or sacred mud hen belonging to his Mother Hina.

From Project Gutenberg