Swamp Grass Babbler Laticilla cinerascens Scientific name definitions

The Swamp Grass Babbler has a complex taxonomic history, being formerly considered a warbler in the genus Prinia, before phylogenetic studies identified it as a Pellorneid babbler. Described as a distinct species (Eurycercus cinerascens) in the 1800s, it was then lumped with Rufous-vented Grass Babbler (Laticilla burnesii) under the latter scientific name for many years, until the two were split in the 2000s based on differences in morphology and plumage. A new subspecies of Rufous-vented Grass Babbler discovered in Nepal may necessitate yet another review of Swamp Grass Babbler's taxonomic status in favor of reuniting the two species. This lengthy saga is most likely far from over!

Endemic to the wet grasslands of Northeast India, Swamp Grass Babbler may be one of the region's least-known passerine birds. Described as common in suitable habitat in the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were no subsequent records for many decades. This is due, in part, to the difficulty of surveying its seasonally-inundated habitat and to the lack of attention given to this species (as it was lumped with Rufous-vented Grass Babbler at that time). In addition, it is an inveterate skulker, making it extremely difficult to observe. This species' song has been recorded in recent decades, and there have been regular sightings from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, India, as well as from additional locations recently discovered. However, the majority of records still come from two adjacent protected areas in India: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam and D'Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh. The Swamp Grass Babbler is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and the extensive destruction of its grassland habitat places it at imminent risk of extinction. However, it remains extremely poorly known, and its discovery on riverine islands near the city of Guwahati offers the possibility that it has been overlooked at many sites. This article summarizes information on the biology of Swamp Grass Babbler, as well as assessments of its threat status and conservation needs.