Grey Grasswren
NameGrey Grasswren
Common NameGrey Grasswren
Scientific NameAmytornis barbatus
FamilyMaluridae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly grey-brown above with fine white streaking, particularly on the head and back. It has a prominent white supercilium and a dark stripe through the eye, bordered below by a white moustachial stripe and a dark malar stripe. The underparts are paler, buffy-white, and the long tail is dark brown.
Vocalization / CallIts call is described as a soft, high-pitched, sibilant 'tseep-tseep' or 'tsit-tsit', often given in a series. It also has a soft, musical song.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to inland eastern Australia, primarily found in the Channel Country of south-western Queensland and north-eastern South Australia, extending into parts of New South Wales.
Identifying Featureslong, cocked tail, distinctive facial pattern (white supercilium, dark eye-stripe, white moustachial stripe), streaked grey-brown plumage, secretive behavior in dense lignum/samphire
Description
A small, secretive Australian passerine with a remarkably long, often cocked tail. It typically forages on the ground within dense lignum and samphire vegetation, making it difficult to observe.
