Pilbara Grasswren

1. Black mustachial stripe contrasting with white throat

2. Rufous-brown upperparts with paler underparts

3. Scampering, mouse-like movement between spinifex clumps rather than flying

Pilbara Grasswrens forage primarily on the ground between spinifex tussocks. While specific diet information for this species is limited in the research, other grasswren species are known to consume seeds, fruits, insects and other invertebrates, suggesting similar feeding habits. In March 214, a singing male was observed perched on a rock exposure overlooking a valley, returning to the same perch at approximately the same time each morning for at least a week. Breeding information specific to the Pilbara Grasswren is sparse, but other grasswren species are known to build dome-shaped nests, often using spinifex grass.

The Pilbara Grasswren occurs exclusively in Western Australia with two recognised subspecies: A. w. whitei in the Pilbara Ranges and A. w. parvus in the Cape Range area. They inhabit dry open areas dominated by spinifex grass, particularly soft spinifex plains that are common throughout the Pilbara region. These birds can be observed in areas where large spinifex clumps provide adequate cover. Morning is often the best time for observation, when males may perch and sing from elevated positions such as rocks or spinifex clumps.