The grey emutail, also known as the Madagascan grassbird or feather-tailed warbler, is an emutail in the family Locustellidae. It is found only in Madagascar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist shrubland and shrub-dominated wetland.
Region
Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs across Madagascar’s central and eastern highlands and locally in eastern lowlands where dense marsh vegetation persists. Prefers shrub-dominated wetlands, sedge and reedbeds, and moist rank grass along streams and valley bottoms. Frequently uses edges of swamps and wet meadows with scattered shrubs and Pandanus. It remains close to cover and rarely ventures into open ground.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey emutail is a secretive, long-tailed grassbird that creeps mouse-like through dense marsh and rank grass. Its insect-like trilling song often gives away its presence before the bird is seen. It relies on intact wet meadows and marshy shrublands, making it sensitive to wetland drainage and burning.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; weak, low flights over vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are placed low in dense grasses or sedges, with both parents involved in care. Outside the breeding season it may form loose associations in suitable marshy patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a high-pitched, insect-like trill or series of rapid notes delivered from within cover or a low perch. Calls include thin tseep notes and brief rattles, often repeated.
Plumage
Soft, plain grey to grey-brown tones with subtle mottling above and paler grey underparts; long, graduated tail with slightly frayed tips.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders. Prey is gleaned from grass stems, leaves, and the ground within dense cover. It occasionally takes small seeds or other plant material but remains primarily insectivorous.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense, wet grass, sedges, and reedbeds, often near the edges of marshes and streams. It keeps low and moves quietly through vegetation, rarely exposing itself.
