The Eyrean grasswren is a small grasswren from the Passerine family Maluridae. This is a cryptically plumaged and uncommon bird endemic to arid regions of Central Australia. The species was discovered by F.W. Andrews in 1874 around the Macumba River at Lake Eyre, and named after the South Australian Surveyor General George Woodroffe Goyder.
Region
Lake Eyre Basin and Central Australian deserts
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid dune fields and stony desert margins dominated by spinifex (Triodia) and low shrublands such as saltbush and samphire. It favors sandy ridges, swales, and the bases of dunes where dense grass hummocks provide cover. Birds keep to low vegetation and ground layer, moving between hummocks in short dashes. Local distribution can shift after rainfall as vegetation structure changes.
Altitude Range
0–400 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Eyrean grasswren is a cryptic, ground-dwelling grasswren of Australia’s arid interior, often detected by its tinkling song rather than sight. It is closely tied to spinifex (Triodia) grass and dune systems around the Lake Eyre Basin. First found by F.W. Andrews in 1874 near the Macumba River at Lake Eyre, it was named in honor of Surveyor General George Woodroffe Goyder.
A female Eyrean grasswren.
Illustration by John Gould and W. Hart
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low bounding flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups maintaining territories year-round. Nests are well-concealed, domed structures tucked into dense spinifex hummocks. Likely monogamous, with both adults contributing to territory defense and care of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a delicate, tinkling series of high-pitched notes delivered from the top of a shrub or the side of a dune. Calls include thin trills and soft chips used to keep contact while moving through cover.
Plumage
Finely streaked sandy-brown upperparts with pale buff and whitish streaking; underparts paler with subtle streaks on the breast and flanks. Long, graduated tail often held cocked, with pale or whitish tips. Overall plumage is highly cryptic, blending with spinifex and dune sands.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small arthropods gleaned from the ground, litter, and the bases of spinifex hummocks. Will also peck at seeds and small plant material, especially during dry periods. Foraging is deliberate and close to cover, with short sprints between clumps.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense spinifex and low shrub mosaics on sandy substrates, often at the edges of dune fields. Also uses swales and lightly vegetated flats adjacent to dunes where invertebrate prey is abundant.
