The
dusky grasswren (
Amytornis purnelli) is a species of small
passerine bird in the family
Maluridae. The species is endemic to Australia, in which it is limited to inland areas of the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South
Australia. The dusky grasswren inhabits rocky ranges and outcrops, often preferring tumbled talus or scree, and with areas of thick, long-unburnt spinifex grasses in the genus
Triodia. In the wild it has been observed feeding on a range of small arthropods and other invertebrates as well as seeds. The vocal repertoire of the dusky grasswren is varied and includes trills, high-pitched whistles, rapid twittering, and high-speed warbling. This dusky grasswren was photographed in
Ormiston Pound in the Northern Territory.
Photograph credit: JJ Harrison