Dusky Grasswren

Amytornis purnelli

Least ConcernRareEndemicOmnivoreShrublandDomed nestSmall · 21 g

About the Dusky Grasswren

The dusky grasswren is a species of small passerine bird in the family Maluridae. The species is endemic to Australia but is limited to inland areas of the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

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The dusky grasswren is superficially similar in appearance to a number of the other grasswrens in the genus Amytornis, but is the only member of this genus to exclusively inhabit rocky ranges across Central Australia. It has a predominantly brown base colour to its plumage with fine pale streaking over the head breast and mantle. The brown of the plumage is a richer chestnut on the back and pale to almost buff on the belly and vent. Voice: This species most often reveals itself initially with a sharp, metallic tutting in alarm or a drawn-out seeeep contact call. The vocal repertoire of the dusky grasswren is varied and includes trills, high-pitched whistles, rapid twittering, and high-speed warbling. Much of the richness in the calls is difficult for humans to detect due to the extreme speed with which they are performed.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in October · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Dusky Grasswren for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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