Distribution Map
Thick-billed Grasswren
Amytornis modestus
EndemicStatus
UncommonRarity
Species Description
The Thick-billed Grasswren (*Amytornis modestus*) is a small, ground-dwelling bird native to Australia’s arid and semi-arid shrublands. Known for its elusive nature, it spends most of its time scurrying between shrubs and is rarely seen in flight.
Fun Facts
The Thick-billed Grasswren was once considered the same species as the Western Grasswren but is now recognised as a distinct species.
1. Pale brown plumage with fine white streaks on head, neck, and chest.
2. Short, deep bill and long, often upright tail.
3. Females have a small chestnut patch on the flanks.
These birds are sedentary and highly secretive, often running or hopping between cover and rarely flying. Their cryptic plumage provides camouflage among the shrubs. Thick-billed Grasswrens forage on the ground for insects, seeds, and berries. Breeding occurs from July to September, with nests built low in shrubs using grasses, bark, and lined with softer materials. Clutches usually contain two to three eggs, and both parents care for the young. Main threats include habitat loss from grazing, predation by introduced species like cats and foxes, and drought.
Thick-billed Grasswrens are found in the arid shrublands of northern South Australia, northwestern New South Wales, and parts of the Northern Territory. They prefer dense chenopod shrublands dominated by saltbush, bluebush, blackbush, and cottonbush, especially in lower-lying areas like watercourses and drainage lines. They are most active at ground level, foraging around the bases of shrubs.
Physical Attributes
Height
18 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds32%
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