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Natural habitat of Thick-billed Grasswren
Thick-billed Grasswren, a Endemic Uncommon bird in Australia

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.

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%

Top Locations

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