The white-throated grasswren, also known as Yirlinkirrkirr in the local language, is a species of bird in the family Maluridae. It is endemic to northern Australia, found only in West Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory (NT).
Region
Northern Territory, Australia (Arnhem Land Plateau)
Typical Environment
Occurs on rugged sandstone escarpments, boulder fields, and adjacent slopes dominated by mature spinifex (Triodia). It favors steep, rocky country with scattered shrubs and patches of open ground for foraging. Dense hummock grass provides nesting sites and refuge from predators and fire. The species is localized, with strong site fidelity and discontinuous occupancy across suitable habitat. Habitat quality fluctuates with fire regimes and seasonal rainfall.
Altitude Range
50–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known as Yirlinkirrkirr in local Indigenous languages, this elusive grasswren is tied to old-growth spinifex on the Arnhem Land sandstone plateau. It is highly sensitive to frequent, hot fires that remove protective hummocks. Birds usually stay low and are often heard before they are seen, giving sharp calls from dense cover. Conservation actions focus on culturally-informed fire management and feral predator control.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low bounding dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups maintaining year-round territories. Nests are dome-shaped and placed low within spinifex hummocks or dense grass. Pairs are monogamous, and young may remain nearby for some time after fledging. Much activity is on or near the ground, with frequent tail-flicking and quick dashes between clumps.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of bright, tinkling notes and thin trills delivered from concealed perches within spinifex. Calls include sharp 'tsit' contact notes and scolding chatter when alarmed. Vocalizations carry surprisingly well in rocky, open terrain.
Plumage
Rufous-brown upperparts heavily streaked with black, contrasting with a clean white throat and upper breast. Underparts buffy to pale with fine streaking. Long, often-cocked tail with rufous tones; wings dark with warm edges.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae. It gleans from the ground, probes among spinifex bases, and searches crevices between rocks. Occasionally takes small seeds or plant material, especially in drier periods. Foraging is methodical, with short runs and pauses to pick prey items.
Preferred Environment
Forages within and around dense spinifex hummocks, along rocky slopes, and at the edges of shrub thickets. Uses boulder piles and ledges for cover, emerging to feed in small open patches. Stays close to dense grass for rapid retreat from predators.
