New Caledonian Grassbird Cincloramphus mariae Scientific name definitions

17–18 cm; 20–29.2 g. An unstreaked, rather long-tailed, medium-sized warbler with stunningly white supercilium. Forehead, crown, nape and entire upperparts, including wings and tail, are olive-brown, weakly washed with gray on mantle and back, offering slight contrast with rather darker, more reddish brown, tones of crown, nape, wings and tail; bold white supercilium runs from base of bill almost to nape, enhanced by dark chocolate-brown ear-coverts, eyestripe and malar region; underparts creamy white, washed pale reddish buff, darkening almost to dull orange at breast-side (often, also a light rufous wash extends across breast) and becoming brownish on flanks; iris brown; bill black (as is inside of mouth); legs yellowish horn. Sexes very similar. Juvenile is like adult, but duller, less reddish brown, on upperparts.

Species name has frequently been spelt mariei; internal evidence “C’est à M. Marie...que nous nous faisons un devoir de le dédier...” could be used to justify this emendation; however, original spelling may have been based on Latinized form of Marie (“Maria”), so original spelling stands (1 Dickinson, E. C., and L. Christidis, Editors (2014). The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. Fourth Edition. Volume 2. Aves Press, Eastbourne, UK. Close ). Monotypic.

New Caledonia, in southwestern Pacific Ocean.

Scrubby habitats, typically a mixture of shrubs, ferns and herbs, most common in maquis minier with ferns. Also occurs in tall grass savanna, secondary bush, Lantana thickets and clearings within forest. Sometimes in patches of grassy and bushy scrub within cover of rainforest; has also been observed while foraging on ground in dense, damp rainforest, well away from grass. Lowlands and in hills; to 1,000 m in Dzumac Mountains.

Resident.

No information on diet other than “insects”. Generally alone or in pairs in dense cover; very difficult to observe as it feeds on or near the ground, scurrying away farther under cover when alarmed.

Song is a slow series of harsh “tchak” notes mixed with whistles and trills, similar to Acrocephalus. Calls include a sharp “tzik”, and a sound which has been likened to the soft purring of a kitten.

Season October–January, seemingly chiefly at start of rains (October and November). Pair remains close to breeding territory throughout year. Nest an open cup of various grasses and other leaves, built on or very close to ground and well hidden in dense vegetation, such as at base of fern clump. Clutch 1–3 eggs; no information on incubation and nestling periods; fledglings fed by one of the parents for several months after leaving nest.

Not globally threatened. Previously considered Near Threatened. Restricted-range species: present in New Caledonia EBA. This species’ extremely shy and retiring nature renders it one of the most difficult of New Caledonia’s c. 20 surviving endemics to see; generally considered, however, to be not uncommon and appears to be quite widespread on the island. This ground-nesting species could well suffer from introduced mammalian predators, including rats (Rattus), dogs, cats and pigs; habitat destruction resulting from the mining industry on the island could become a problem in the future. Further study required.