Opalton Grasswren
NameOpalton Grasswren
Common NameOpalton Grasswren
Scientific NameAmytornis rowleyi
FamilyMaluridae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)18.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are rufous-brown with prominent white and black streaking. The head features a distinct white supercilium and malar stripe, both bordered by black. Underparts are paler, buffy-white, with rufous flanks. The long, graduated tail is dark brown.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, high-pitched, sibilant 'tseet' or 'seep' contact call. It also produces a quiet, musical song, often delivered from within dense vegetation.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to a very restricted area in central-western Queensland, Australia, specifically found in the vicinity of Opalton and the Winton Shire.
Identifying FeaturesCryptic rufous-brown plumage with heavy white and black streaking, Prominent white supercilium and malar stripe, Long, graduated, often cocked tail, Terrestrial and skulking behavior in dense spinifex, Restricted range in central-western Queensland
Description
The Opalton Grasswren is a small, shy terrestrial bird endemic to central-western Queensland, Australia. It is characterized by its cryptic rufous-brown plumage with heavy streaking, which provides excellent camouflage in its dense spinifex habitat. This species typically forages on the ground, often with its long tail cocked.
