Wednesday 6 May 2015

Wild Bird Wednesday 145 - Little Grassbird

Some birds do seem to get a bad press in the field guides - this little bird is described as 'skulking' and its voice 'mournful'.  What this means to birders is that it may be a little difficult to see and that its voice is never going to be used as a ring tone.

But what this really means in biological sense, where it matters most, is that its behaviour is suitable to its habitat and its voice carries what ever information and meaning it needs!

Anyway, enough of my defence of the Little Grassbird (Megalurus gramineus), on to the pictures.  This bird was feeding in some short vegetation on the edge of a coastal wetland, just near where I took last weeks Pelicans images.  I think it may have been used to collecting food scraps from the tables nearby as it as not in the least bothered (as far as I could tell) by my presence.

This bird is about the same size as a House Sparrow, but a little leaner.






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41 comments:

  1. Lovely series of images .. Congratulations ... :-)

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  2. Great shots in the pretty foliage.

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  3. You obtained nicely varied exposures of the plumage of the Little Grass Bird. Its appearance somewhat resembles our pipits, which have long legs adapted to terrestrial foraging.

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  4. A lovely little bird, one I do not think I have seen.

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  5. That's actually a funny name to call a bird! This is a new one for me. Great little bird:)

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  6. Excellent views of this 'Old World Warbler' that could easily be mistaken for a Pipit if it were a bit larger.

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  7. I am guessing, rather than being disturbed by your presence, he was wondering where your offerings were and what was taking you so long to share them. He is a cute bird wherher he skulks or not. Our Sparrows behave in a similar manner around outdoor restaurants and even the blackbirds (of various sorts) will come right up and snatch something off your plate or out of your hand, if need be. You know, a bird has got to eat, right? Great post Stewart ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  8. very cute. similar to some of our sparrows.

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  9. It's a cute little bird. Looks similar to our female House Finch.

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  10. Amazing images of this Little Grass Bird, Stewart. Thanks for the information - I love these supposedly "non-descriptive" birds ! How is the latest addition to your household? Will we see photos? I'm off on a birding holiday on the East Coast of South Africa and hope to post many photos soon. Greetings, Jo

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  11. Cute bird and photos, Stewart. It does look a lot like our sparrows.. I like the name too. Thanks for hosting, enjoy your week!

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  12. Your photos make the Little Grass Bird appear like a likeable bird. Kudos to you for spotting it!

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  13. ...and it's mighty attractive if you ask me!

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  14. Awww....I think it's a cute bird! And you got some great photos of it.

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  15. Oh, what a cute little guy! Love your captures for the day -- as always!! Hope your week is going well, Stewart!

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  16. A sweet little bird...too often maligned.

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  17. Great photos of a beautiful little bird - and that is another one I have yet to see!

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  18. What a sweet little bird.

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  19. A sweet little bird, nice series of photos Stewart.

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  20. Haha, I like the way you defended this little guy. He is very cute. I am sorry birders didn't give him a nicer description. Your photos are amazing.

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  21. The little birds are quickly becoming my favorites. What a sweet little thing! You are right to defend them!

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  22. A new bird for me. It looks similar to many different birds here. It's got a hint of Sparrow, Dunnock, Pipit and Gropper to it.

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  23. Well it certainly is a pretty little chap, very pretty!

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  24. He doesn't look mournful to me, he's too cute for that.

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  25. Both the little bird and it's name ARE ADORABLE!...:)JP

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  26. I was thinking sweet little "skinny sparrow" at first. Grass bird is a good name ! And beauty is all in the eye ... And ear ... Of the beholder!

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  27. Cute "Little Grass Bird." So many birds appear similar at first glance, but there are so many details to differentiate them.

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  28. Cute little bird no matter what it sounds like..Kinda has the coloring of a sparrow..

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  29. Very crisp photos of a pretty bird, Stewart!
    Very nicely done!
    Have a Beautiful Day!!
    Peace :)

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  30. Love your focus in these photos! Great shots!

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  31. Oh gosh - such a pretty bird. What lovely shots!

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  32. Very nice shots of this bird. You've captured it perfectly.

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  33. It is so cute the little bird. And lovely photos!

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  34. Terrific photographs, Stewart! Similar to our sparrows, looks like this one would blend nicely with the grass and become almost invisible.

    I listened to recordings of its voice and not sure I agree with the bird guides description. Not unusual!

    Have a great weekend!

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  35. What a delicate little bird, great shots of it from every side, I particularly like the rear view of the wing patterns and lighter edges of the brown feathers.

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