Little Grassbird (Poodytes gramineus) is a small brown song bird that is found near water in reed-beds, dense vegetation, lignum swamps and salt marshes.

Little Grassbird © Dorothy L
Little Grassbird, Bool Lagoon, SA © Dorothy L

Whilst they may be inconspicuous, they are certainly heard, a high-pitched three-note whistle. The Little Grassbird are also know to engage with people — they have a call that is easily imitated, and usually whistle in response to such imitations.

They are found across eastern Australia, inland to central Australia, south-western Australia and Tasmania. They are also found in New Guinea.

The Little Grassbird feed on insects and other small arthropods.

Little Grassbird (Poodytes gramineus), Alice Springs Ponds © Dorothy Latimer

  • Scientific classification
  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Locustellidae
  • Genus: Poodytes
  • Species: P. gramineus
  • Binomial name: Poodytes gramineus