Falklands 'Tomtit' , this race is restricted to the Falkland Islands. Very tiny bird; length 11 -12 cm ( 4.5 - 5 inches), buff underside and brown streaked with buff upperparts. They are widespread but favour thick vegetation especially tussac, fachine, dense long white grass and rushes. They might also nest in conifers. They feed on grass seed and small invertebrates. Breeding takes place between October and early December, five to seven eggs are laid.

Grass wrens have survived in the presence of rats and cats probably due to their above-ground feeding behaviour.

C. p. falklandicus is unique to the Falklands but similar races range right down the Americas from Canada and the USA through South America to Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn.

Sources include: Falkland Islands State of the Environment Report 2008 Otley H, Munro G, Clausen A, Ingham B. A Field Guide to the Wildlife of The Falkland Islands and South Georgia - Ian J Strange, Guide to Birds of the Falkland Islands- Robin W. Woods.

Photographic credits: Header Robert Maddocks, Marlane and Ali Marsh

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