Striated Grassbird
Megalurus palustris
沼泽大尾莺
Introduction
Old World warbler species in the family Locustellidae, formerly placed in Sylviidae. The only species remaining in the genus Megalurus following a 2018 phylogenetic reorganization. Range spans Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. A noisy and conspicuous species, often observed exposed on tops of grasses, bushes, and telephone wires. Characterized by a streaked crown and streaked upper breast. Evaluated as Least Concern due to its extremely large range, though population trend and size remain unquantified.
Description
A medium-sized passerine with distinctive streaking on the crown and upper breast. The plumage features prominent streaks that contrast with otherwise brownish or streaked upperparts. As a grassbird, it has a relatively long tail adapted to its preferred habitat in grasslands and wetland edges.
Identification
Key field marks include the streaked crown and streaked upper breast. The species is typically observed perched conspicuously on vegetation tops or wires. No comparison species are provided in the source material, but the combination of streaked crown and breast is distinctive within its range.
Distribution & Habitat
Extremely large range across South and Southeast Asia. Found throughout Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Inhabits grasslands and wetland margins, though specific habitat details are limited. Migration status not described.
Behavior & Ecology
Highly conspicuous and vocal behavior. Frequently observed perched in exposed positions on grasses, bushes, and telephone wires, from which it calls loudly. No detailed information provided on diet, breeding biology, or vocalizations.
Conservation
IUCN Red List assessment: Least Concern. The species has an extremely large range exceeding 20,000 km2 and does not approach Vulnerable thresholds under range size, population trend, or population size criteria. Population trend is currently unknown, and population size has not been quantified, but neither metric suggests rapid decline.
Culture
No cultural information available in the source material.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Locustellidae
- Genus
- Megalurus
- eBird Code
- strgra1
Vocalizations
Subspecies (3)
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Megalurus palustris forbesi
Philippines (Luzon, Mindoro, Panay, Samar, and Mindanao)
-
Megalurus palustris palustris
Borneo and Java
-
Megalurus palustris toklao
Pakistan to India, southern China, southern Myanmar, Thailand, and Indochina
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.