Fan-tailed Grassbird

The fan-tailed grassbird, also known as the broad-tailed warbler, is a member of the Old World warbler family Locustellidae. Its scientific name is Catriscus brevirostris, and it is a species that boasts a rather enigmatic presence across the African continent.

Identification Tips

This bird can be identified by its distinctive fan-shaped tail, which it often displays prominently. It has a relatively short bill, as suggested by its species name 'brevirostris', meaning 'short-billed'.

Habitat

The fan-tailed grassbird is found in grassy areas that are typically dominated by grasses, sedges, or shrubs. These areas are often in close proximity to water sources such as streams, rivers, or lakes.

Distribution

The species has a discontinuous distribution across Africa, with sightings confirmed in countries including Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It thrives at elevations ranging from 350 to 2,150 meters above sea level.

Behaviour

The fan-tailed grassbird is known for its skulking behavior, often remaining hidden in dense grassy vegetation. However, when it does reveal itself, it is most notable for the fanning display of its tail.

Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the fan-tailed grassbird is classified as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of extinction in the wild.