Remarks on distribution and taxonomy of the grass wrens Amytornis textilis, modestus and purnelli

Abstract

The literature of Amytormris textilis, modestus and purnelli contains discrepancies. Textilis and purnelli are currently regarded as conspecific and modestus as a separate species, although no reasons have ever been given to support this. I conclude that textilis and modestus are conspecific and purelli a separate species, and show that North concluded this in 1902. Thus, two species are here recognized; Amytornis textilis (including modestus), a stout-billed species of saltbush, bluebush, cottonbush and similar cover on plains, and of Zygochloa and flood-debris along watercourses, and Amytornis purnelli (including ballarae), a more slender-billed species of rocky hillsides covered with Triodia. The two are sympatric in parts of southern Northern Territory.