Broad-tailed Grassbird

The Broad-tailed Grassbird, Schoenicola platyurus, is a modestly adorned avian, cloaked in uniform brown plumage. Its most striking feature is the broad, round-tipped, and long graduated tail that it carries with a certain elegance. Both sexes share a similar feather coat, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Identification Tips

Upon closer inspection, one may note the buff supercilium that graces its face, and the brown tail adorned with thin dark bars. The underside of the tail presents a stark contrast, being very dark with white-tipped feathers. During breeding displays, the male's gape turns black, a detail that is less pronounced in females.

Habitat

This species is a denizen of the higher altitude grassy hills within its range, preferring these moist highland grasslands for their seclusion and resources.

Distribution

Endemic to the Western Ghats of India, the Broad-tailed Grassbird's presence is primarily noted south of Karnataka, with occasional sightings further north and potential, though unconfirmed, occurrences in Sri Lanka.

Behaviour

Outside the breeding season, the Broad-tailed Grassbird is a master of concealment, skulking through grass and reeds with rapid movements. However, when the time comes to breed, males become conspicuous as they ascend for aerial displays, accompanied by their melodious trills.

Song & Calls

The male's breeding call is a lark-like, repeated trill, performed during a fluttering flight with a fanned tail. Other vocalizations include a sharp 'chack' and a 'zink' note, adding to the bird's acoustic repertoire.

Breeding

The breeding season is primarily from March to May, with evidence suggesting the possibility of two broods. Nests are constructed as balls of coarse grass with a side entrance, nestled low in tussocks. Clutches typically consist of 2 or 3 eggs, speckled with brownish-red.

Diet and Feeding

Insects form the staple of the Broad-tailed Grassbird's diet, which it forages from its grassland home.

Conservation status

The Broad-tailed Grassbird is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it faces a high risk of endangerment in the wild.