The little grassbird is a species of Old World warbler in the family Locustellidae. It is found in Australia and in West Papua, Indonesia. These sexually monomorphic birds are found in reed beds, rushes, lignum swamps and salt marshes of Southeastern Australia.
Region
Australia and West Papua
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in southeastern and southern Australia, with populations in coastal and inland wetlands, and also in West Papua, Indonesia. It favors dense stands of reeds, rushes, sedges, and lignum around lakes, swamps, and slow-flowing rivers. Birds also use saltmarsh and brackish estuaries where cover is continuous. After heavy rains it may appear in ephemeral inland wetlands as they develop dense vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, skulking warbler of dense wetlands, the little grassbird is often detected by its clear, tinkling song rather than by sight. Both sexes look alike and keep low in reeds, frequently flicking their long, graduated tails. The species readily tracks changing water levels, shifting locally as wetlands dry or flood. Its name gramineus refers to its association with grasses and sedges.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short low flights with rapid wingbeats over cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense vegetation. Builds a deep cup nest low in reeds or rushes, typically close to water. Breeding is mainly in spring to summer, with both adults involved in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident with local, water-driven dispersal
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, thin, tinkling whistles, often descending and delivered from concealed perches within reeds. Calls include soft tics and short, piping phrases repeated at intervals, especially at dawn and dusk.
