A small brown songbird that skulks in reed-beds and dense vegetation near water.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilyGrassbirds and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatThese sexually monomorphic birds are found in reed beds, rushes, lignum swamps and salt marshes of Southeastern Australia.
Best timeMost reliable in Victoria from September to January.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by James Lambert
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
109497approx records
7states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Streaked back, flanks, and breast; graduated tail often cocked upright. Usually detected by song, a clear, high-pitched, three-noted whistle.
Behavior
Larger, brightly colored Tawny Grassbird has longer tail, lacks streaks on chest.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
New South Wales
Western Australia
Victoria
South Australia
Northern Territory
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
Commonly confused with
Tawny GrassbirdCincloramphus timoriensisIt is streaked above and has a distinctive rich brown cap. Its underside is paler and it has a long graduated tail. The term "grassbird" was used by Gould during the mid 19th century to signify a strong correlation to long grass habitats. The tawny grassbird has also been known as tawny sphenoeacus, grassbird, tawny or rufous-capped marshbird, rufous-capped grass-warbler and rufous-capped grassbird.→Rufous SonglarkCincloramphus mathewsiSimilar female White-winged Triller has white-edged wing panel. Brown Songlark larger, with longer legs and bill and more strongly patterned upperparts. Found across much of Australia, less so in the southeast, in treeless open habitats.→SpinifexbirdPoodytes carteriFairly secretive and skulking but inquisitive.→