Western grasswren

The western grasswren, formerly known as the textile wren, is a species of bird in the family Maluridae. It is endemic to Australia. It was formerly lumped as the nominate subspecies of the thick-billed grasswren.

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Distribution

Region

Southwest and southern Australia

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily in arid and semi-arid coastal and inland shrublands, especially dense Acacia, Melaleuca, and samphire thickets. Prefers low, tangled vegetation on sandy or limestone soils, coastal heaths, and chenopod shrublands. Often keeps to the base of shrubs and moves between patches of cover. It avoids open ground and relies on dense understory for nesting and protection.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 600 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size16–20 cm

Wing Span18–22 cm

Male Weight0.028 kg

Female Weight0.025 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The western grasswren is a shy, ground-oriented malurid that slips through dense shrubs rather than flying long distances. It often forages as a pair, giving soft contact calls and occasional duets. Its long, graduated tail is frequently held cocked, aiding balance while moving through thick cover. Habitat degradation and introduced predators have impacted some local populations.

Gallery

Nest and eggs, East Murchison district

Behaviour

Temperament

skulking and wary

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low dashes between cover

Social Behavior

Typically found in pairs or small family groups maintaining territories year-round. Nests are domed or ball-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs. Pairs are largely monogamous and communicate with soft contact calls.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a series of thin, tinkling trills and chatters delivered from low perches within cover. Pairs may duet, with soft scolding notes when disturbed.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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