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.
Region
Central Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs across inland parts of the Northern Territory, northern South Australia, and adjacent Western Australia, concentrated in rocky ranges and gorges. It inhabits arid hillsides, breakaways, and stony slopes with dense Triodia (spinifex) and scattered shrubs. Birds keep to rugged terrain where spinifex clumps provide cover for nesting and foraging. They are highly localized, with populations patchily distributed where suitable spinifex habitat occurs.
Altitude Range
200–1000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive spinifex specialist, the dusky grasswren runs mouse-like between hummocks and rarely flies far, preferring to stay close to cover. Pairs often duet, delivering musical trills and tinkling phrases from low perches on rocks or shrubs. It is closely tied to arid rocky ranges with dense Triodia (spinifex), where it nests and forages.
Amytornis purnelli, female, close-up
A spectrogram of the trill call of a dusky grasswren
An adult female dusky grasswren at Alice Springs Desert Park with metal leg band visible
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that hold year-round territories. Nests are typically domed and placed low within or beside dense spinifex clumps. Pairs maintain close contact and engage in coordinated duetting, especially at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A musical series of high, tinkling trills and clear, bell-like notes, often delivered antiphonally by a pair. Contact calls are soft chips and ticking notes given while moving through cover.
Plumage
Warm dusky-brown overall with fine, darker streaking above and paler buff-grey underparts. Wings show rufous-brown tones; tail long and often held cocked. Feathering is dense and slightly fluffy, aiding camouflage among spinifex.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as ants, beetles, termites, spiders, and caterpillars gleaned from the ground and low vegetation. It occasionally takes seeds and small plant material, especially during dry periods. Foraging is deliberate and close to cover, with frequent pauses to scan and listen.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within and around dense spinifex hummocks, along rocky slopes, and among scattered shrubs. Often searches in leaf litter and at the bases of grasses and rocks, rarely venturing into open ground for long.
