Grasshopper warblers | Locustellidae

Sprinkhaanzangers | Buscarlas

Extremely skulking brown birds that creep mouse-like through the lowest layer of reed, rank growth and sedge, and would rather run off than fly. The build matches: short rounded wings, a broad graduated tail and strikingly long undertail coverts. The song is mechanical — an even reeling or ticking trill sustained for minutes, which seems to shift about as the bird turns its head, so that it is hard to place. The nest sits on or just above the ground under overhanging stems and is reached on foot; the sexes look alike.