Fan-tailed Grassbird
NameFan-tailed Grassbird
Common NameFan-tailed Grassbird
Scientific NamePoodytes isabellinus
FamilyLocustellidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are streaked brown, with a paler supercilium above the eye. Underparts are pale buffy-white, sometimes with faint streaking on the flanks. The tail is long, graduated, and often fanned, giving the bird its common name.
Vocalization / CallA high-pitched, insect-like trill or buzzing call, often given from within dense cover, sometimes described as a 'zzzzzzzt' sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in New Guinea and northern Australia, inhabiting suitable grassy and wetland areas, including cane fields and rank vegetation.
Identifying Featuressmall size, streaked brown plumage, long fan-shaped tail, skulking behavior in dense grass, pale underparts, insect-like call
Description
A small, secretive passerine bird found in dense grasslands and wetlands. It is typically brown with streaking and a long, graduated tail, often seen skulking low in vegetation and can be difficult to observe.
