The thick-billed grasswren is a species of bird in the family Maluridae. It is endemic to Australia. Its natural habitat is Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation.
Region
Arid and semi-arid inland Australia
Typical Environment
Found mainly in inland South Australia and western New South Wales, with occurrences in the broader Lake Eyre Basin and adjacent arid plains. It inhabits chenopod shrublands dominated by saltbush (Atriplex) and bluebush (Maireana), samphire flats, and open acacia scrub. The species relies on dense low shrubs for cover and nesting, often near sandy or stony substrates. It is largely sedentary, occupying territories year-round where suitable shrub structure persists.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The thick-billed grasswren is a secretive, ground-dwelling songbird of Australia’s arid shrublands, noted for its stout bill and long, often-cocked tail. It prefers dense chenopod shrubs like saltbush and bluebush, where it runs mouse-like through cover rather than flying. Several subspecies have restricted ranges, and local populations can be sensitive to habitat degradation from overgrazing and invasive species.
Illustration from 1910
Temperament
skulking and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, maintaining year-round territories. Nests are well-concealed, low cup structures within dense shrubs. Pairs are largely monogamous, and both adults help defend the territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of soft, tinkling trills and chatters delivered from within cover or a low perch. Calls include sharp tcks and scolds used for contact and alarm.
Plumage
Cryptic brown and grey upperparts with fine streaking, buff to whitish underparts with variable streaking on the breast, and a long, graduated tail often held cocked. Feathers are soft and earth-toned, aiding camouflage among shrubs.
Diet
Feeds mainly on ground-dwelling invertebrates such as ants, beetles, spiders, and larvae. Supplements diet with seeds and small fruits, especially in dry periods. Forages by gleaning among leaf litter and probing at the bases of shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages under dense saltbush and bluebush where cover is continuous. Uses shrub edges, samphire flats, and open patches between bushes to pick prey and seeds.
