White-throated Grasswren
Amytornis woodwardi
EndemicStatus
RareRarity
Species Description
The White-throated Grasswren (Amytornis woodwardi) is a large, ground-dwelling songbird found only in a small area of the western Arnhem Plateau in the Northern Territory. This elusive bird is highly sought after by birdwatchers due to its rarity and unique adaptations to the rugged sandstone country it inhabits.
Fun Facts
The White-throated Grasswren’s song includes very high-pitched notes, some of which are difficult for humans to hear.
1. Large grasswren with a long, broad tail and a white throat.
2. Black head with white streaks and a bold black stripe framing the throat.
3. Chestnut back and rump; males have a lighter belly, females a darker chestnut belly.
White-throated Grasswrens are only found in the sandstone escarpments and rocky outcrops of the western Arnhem Plateau, including parts of Kakadu National Park and surrounding Indigenous Protected Areas. They prefer areas with mature spinifex grass and rocky shelter, avoiding places that have burned recently. Their range is limited, and they are now absent from many sites where they were once common, making them difficult to find in the wild.
The White-throated Grasswren is significant to the Aboriginal peoples of Arnhem Land, especially among Bininj Kunwok speakers, who know the bird as Yirlinkirrkirr or Djirnidjirnirrinjken. It is associated with songlines and stories that connect people to the land.
Physical Attributes
Height
21 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds44%
Top Locations
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Top birding locations will be available in a future update.