The Chinese grassbird is a bird species in the family Pellorneidae. It was formerly placed in the Old World warbler family Sylviidae and the babbler family Timaliidae.
Region
South China and northern Vietnam
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in lowland and foothill grasslands, including reedbeds, fallow fields, and grassy hillsides, often near wetlands or agricultural margins. Prefers dense, waist‑high to tall rank grasses where it forages close to the ground. It may use scrub-fringed grass mosaics and abandoned fields where cover remains. The species is local and often overlooked due to its secretive habits but may sing from exposed grass stems.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skulking songster of tall grasslands, the Chinese grassbird often reveals itself more by its buzzy, trilling song than by views. It was formerly placed with Old World warblers and babblers but is now in the family Pellorneidae. Habitat loss from grassland conversion and frequent burning can impact local populations, making intact grasslands important for its persistence.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low over grass
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, keeping to dense grass cover. Likely monogamous, building a low cup nest concealed within clumps of tall grass. Outside the breeding season, may occur in loose small groups where habitat is extensive.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a buzzy, mechanical series of trills and rattles delivered from an exposed grass stem or low perch. Calls include dry chips and ticking notes, often given when the bird is disturbed.
