Megalurus gramineus

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Family

Sylviidae

Genus

Megalurus

Species

gramineus

Common Names

Little Grassbird, Little Marshbird, Striated Grassbird

Distinguishing Features

This is a small 13-15cm bird with a streaked appearance of olive- brown, cream, grey, orange and black. The top of the head and rump are orange-brown, the wings are grey-brown with black streaks and the tail is dark brown. Underparts are light cream with fine black streaks. The eye is brown with a cream eyebrow and the bill is straight and pointed. This bird is very secretive and is most commonly distinguished by its piping call.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

Three mournful piped notes 'pe-peeee-peeeee' or an alarmed 'chu-chu-chu' rattle.

Similar Species

The Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis) is larger and lacks the streaking across its head and underparts. The Clamorous Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus ) shares the same habitat and behaviour.

Distribution

This species is mostly found in the southeast region of Australia from southern QLD, down to TAS and across to Adelaide in SA. They are also found in the southwest of WA. They may travel out of these regions in rare numbers. Some inhabit New Guinea.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

This uncommon species is only seen around Lake Burley Griffin or at the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

One bird was sighted on the ANU campus.

Associated vegetation community

This species inhabits the vegetation around wetlands, swamps and mangroves, in particular lignum, cumbungi (Typha) and cane grass.

Limiting Resources

Little Grassbirds require very dence, wet vegetation for feeding and nesting.

Breeding

Most breeding activities take place from August to January. The nest is a very deep cup of dried grasses and water plants, placed within the thick reeds and clumps of edge vegetation, 0.5 to 1.5 metres off the ground. Nests are lined with feathers, usually from Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio ), placed vertically to stick out the top of the nest and provide a sheltering arch. The 2-5 eggs are white or pink-tinged, speckled with purple and red. Each egg requires about 9 days of incubation.

Behaviour

This very secretive species can be seen briefly, alone or in pairs, fluttering through thick reeds with its tail fanned. It is more often recognised by its piping call, although it is silent and difficult to find over the winter months.

Functional Group

Insectivore

Food Species

The Little Grassbird hops swiftly through vegetation, picking up insects, spiders and small shelled creatures.

Predators

This species in prone to attacks from any predator that can squeeze or force through the thick rushes into their nesting territory. This may include European Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), the Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides ), Black Rats (Rattus Rattus) and Feral Pigs (Sus Scrofa).

Interesting Fact

Little Grassbirds are considered to display cryptic behaviour, making them difficult to study and understand.