rice-field rat

The term "rice rat" or "rice-field rat" refers to any of 36 species of small, nocturnal rodents belonging to the genus Oryzomys. These rodents are found from the United States down through tropical and subtropical South America. They typically have soft, tawny to grayish-brown fur on their upperparts and lighter fur underneath. Their tails are sparsely haired and vary in length, as does their body size, ranging from about 12 cm to 20 cm.1

The marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris), a species found in the southeastern United States, was one of the first to be scientifically described. It inhabits coastal marshes, wet meadows, and forest clearings. Marsh rice rats are adept swimmers and climbers, building globular nests in marsh grasses or shrubs. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming seeds, plant parts, invertebrates, small vertebrates, and carrion. Some related genera are also sometimes called rice rats.1