Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Amytornis striatus striatus
Gazetted date:
05 Aug 2022
Profile last updated:
22 Feb 2024
Description
The Striated Grasswren is similar in appearance to the related fairy-wrens (Malurus spp.), though significantly larger in size (14.5 - 18.5 centimetres). The upperparts are a soft reddish-brown, with white streaks while the underparts are buff with heavy white streaking on the breast. The eyebrow is rufous-brown and a heavy black whisker-streak is present. The throat is white, the bill blackish and legs bluish-grey. The tail is long and held cocked and is blackish-brown in colour. The sexes differ slightly in plumage with the female having pale chestnut flanks. Immatures are slightly duller.
Distribution
This species is widely distributed through the arid and semi-arid regions of mainland Australia, with three subspecies currently recognised. In NSW, the race striatus was formerly distributed from the Namoi Valley area through the southern half of the Murray-Darling Basin. It is now currently known from only two disjunct localities. In central NSW, populations remain extant in Yathong Nature Reserve and surrounding areas of leasehold land. A second population occurs in south-western NSW in the Scotia Mallee west of the Darling River, including Tarawi NR, Scotia Sanctuary and adjoining properties. This population is contiguous with populations in adjoining mallee country in South Australia.
Habitat and ecology
- Confined to areas with well-developed Porcupine Grass (Triodia irritans), usually in association with mallee eucalypts and sandy soils.
- Is known to reoccuppy burnt vegetation 6 to 8 years following fire and prefers areas with large hummocks of spinifex which is greatest 25 to 40 years post-fire.
- Feeds on the ground upon small invertebrates and seeds.
- Nests are a substantial dome of interwoven grasses, bark and spinifex, well-hidden towards the top of a spinifex clump.
- Usually recorded in pairs, though sometimes in small parties, and first often detected by its call. Can be shy and difficult to observe, though may also be inquisitive and respond to observers, particularly during the breeding season.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Clearing of habitat for agriculture and grazing.
- Fragmentation, resulting from clearing or degradation of habitat, may reduce the size of populations and increase the extent to which they are isolated; small, isolated populations have a greater risk of extinction due to genetic effects and chance events (e.g., drought and fire).
- Overgrazing and browsing from feral goats impacting habitat structure, condition, and resources for foraging and breeding.
- Increased scale and intensity of wild fire and an unknown appropriate fire regime.
- Feral cats and foxes increasing predation risk, especially in post-fire periods when suitable vegetation cover is reduced.
- Anthropogenic climate change, specifically the increase in frequency, scale and intensity of fire, frequency or length of droughts and heat waves, leading to reduction or absence of Triodia grass cover.
- Limited knowledge of the distribution of the species across all populations
- Small population size and limited distribution leading to a high likelihood of genetic depression.
Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological
community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified
8 priority actions
to help recover the Mukarrthippi Grasswren in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Control vertebrate pest populations (e.g., foxes, cats and rabbits) that either prey on the species or compete for resources.
- Implement an appropriate fire regime so as to not burn all habitat and food resources within a locality at one time and to promote natural succession.
- Reduce stocking intensity or exclude grazing in some areas to allow regeneration of vegetation.
Information sources
- Garnett, S.T., Szabo, J.K. and Dutson, G. (2011) Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010. (CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria)
- Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Steele, W.K. (eds) (2001) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 5: Tyrant-flycatchers to Chats. (Oxford University Press, Melbourne)
- Taylor, R.S., Watson, S.J., Bennett, A.F. and Clarke, M.F. (2013) Which fire management strategies benefit biodiversity? A landscape-perspective case study using birds in mallee ecosystems of south-eastern Australia. Biological Conservation 159: 248-256
- Val, J., Oliver, D., Pennay, M., McLaughlin, J., Ewin, P. and Foster, E. (2012) The reptile, bird and small mammal fauna of Dune Mallee Woodlands in south-western New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 36(1): 29-48
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