#grasswren

photograph by Laurie Ross

*this photo in the genus round was incorrectly labeled as the "Pilbara grasswren" due to an error on Wikipedia (now corrected).

Western Grasswren! This is the nominate race from Monkey Mia, where they come out and pluck the dead insects from the from of your car. We're hoping to see the eastern race "myall". Apparently myall means "wild and untamed" so I suppose these ones won't be as easy as the monkey mia birds - - - #birding #grasswren #roadtrip #amytornis #miserablewinter

photograph by JJ Harrison 

November 28, 2024 - Kalkadoon Grasswren (Amytornis ballarae) Found in a small range in northern Australia, these birds in the fairywren family live in grasslands and rocky areas. They eat insects and seeds, foraging in crevices in rocks and under clumps of grass in pairs or small flocks. Probably breeding cooperatively, they build cup-shaped nests in grass clumps from grass stems and fine twigs. Females lay clutches of one to three eggs and both parents feed the chicks. They are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to continuing population declines primarily caused by widespread wildfires.

photograph by Jan Wegener

August 12, 2023 - Black Grasswren (Amytornis housei) Found in northwestern Australia, these birds in the fairywren family live in grassy areas with cliffs and gorges. They eat insects and seeds, foraging on the ground around grass clumps and crevices in rocks. Nesting from December to March, they probably breed cooperatively in groups of as many as six birds. They build large, globe-shaped or domed nests with side entrances from grass stems, leaves, rootlets, and fine grass in grass clumps. Females incubate clutches of one or two eggs and both parents feed the chicks, assisted by other helper birds.