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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Amytornis modestus inexpectatus
Conservation status in NSW:
Extinct
Gazetted date:
14 Jul 2017
Profile last updated:
01 Nov 2022
Description
The Thick-billed Grasswren is a thick-set, finely streaked, pale fawn grasswren with a heavy bill. It can be told apart from other grasswrens by a combination of the stout bill and drab uniform brownish plumage with coarsely white-streaked head and upperparts and faintly streaked underparts. This subspecies can be distinguished from the only other subspecies present in NSW (A. m. obscurior) by it having the longest tail, a relatively slender bill and being dark and heavily streaked.
Distribution
Formerly occurred in central and western NSW, from the lower reaches of the Namoi River, south to Mossgiel. Considered extinct.
Habitat and ecology
- Habitats occupied by this long extinct population have not been confidently determined but were probably chenopod or Nitrebush Nitraria billardierei shrublands or low shrublands. Information from other subspecies indicates the grasswren is sedentary, usually inhabiting dense, low saltbush, cottonbush, bluebush and nitre-bush areas on sandy plains or depressions in gibber; also occurs along watercourses in clumps of Canegrass; when disturbed, individuals take refuge in any available cover, including piles of old flood debris along dry sandy watercourses and down rabbit burrows.
- The nest is deep and loosely made, shaped either like a cup, half-dome or dome, located on or near the ground in a clump of Canegrass, within the foliage of a low shrub (saltbush, bluebush) or in flood debris, and constructed of dead grasses, twigs and dry bark strips.
- Established pairs maintain 20-40 hectare territories year-round and rarely, perhaps never, band with their neighbours outside the breeding season.
- Forages on the ground and under or around bushes for a wide variety of seeds, berries and invertebrates.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Overgrazing and trampling of habitat by sheep is thought to have been a major cause of decline.
- Clearing of vegetation eliminates habitat for this species.
- Predation by foxes and feral cats is likely to occur, but the impact on the species is unknown.
- Little knowledge about the population and limited distribution.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Survey areas at and around historical record locations for extant populations.
- Reduce stock intensity of, or exclude grazing on, some areas to allow regeneration of vegetation for habitat, such as food sources or nest sites.
- Control vertebrate pest populations (eg. foxes, cats and rabbits) that either prey on or compete against this species for resources.
- Restrict cultivation around suitable ground habitat.
- Retain understorey shrubs and allow them to complete their life cycle (i.e. seed set, germination, establishment, growth to maturity).
- Prevent clearing of habitat such as nesting sites and food sources.
Information sources
- Black, A and Gower, P (2017) Thick-Billed Grasswren. Pp 49-56 in Grasswrens : Australian Outback Identities, Axiom publishing.
- Black, Andrew (2016) Reappraisal of plumage and morphometric diversity in Thick-billed Grasswren Amytornis modestus (North, 1902), with description of a new subspecies.
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