Indian Grassbird

SCI Name:  Graminicola bengalensis
Protonym:  Graminicola Bengalensis BirdsIndia 2 p.177
Taxonomy:  Passeriformes / Pellorneidae / Graminicola
Taxonomy Code:  rurgra1
Type Locality:  Ganges.
Author:  Jerdon
Publish Year:  1863
IUCN Status:  Near Threatened

DEFINITIONS

GRAMINICOLA
(Pellorneidae; Ϯ Indian Grass-babbler G. bengalensis) L. gramen, graminis  grass; -cola  dweller  < colere  to inhabit; "The next bird is one whose generic location is somewhat doubtful. It exactly resembles Cisticola in its coloration and habits, but is a much larger bird, and I propose to give it distinct generic rank.  Many of the so-called African Drymoicæ, figured by Rüppell, appear to approximate it very closely, and are probably co-generic with it.   ...   Gen. GRAMINICOLA, Jerdon.  Char. —Bill moderate, rather stout, compressed; culmen curved; some rather stout rictal bristles curving outwards; wings very short and much rounded; tail of twelve feathers, much graduated and broad; tarsi stout, of moderate length; hind toe not lengthened; claws long, slender, very slightly curved.  This form differs from Cisticola in the less elongated hind toe, and the more strongly curved beak, with prominent rictal bristles.    542. Graminicola Bengalensis, JERDON.  THE LARGE GRASS-WARBLER.   ...   It frequents high grass, in pairs, occasionally three or four together; now and then taking a short flight, and rapidly concealing itself when it alights." (Jerdon 1863); "Graminicola Jerdon, 1863, Birds India, 2, p. 177. Type, by monotypy, Graminicola bengalensis Jerdon." (Watson in Peters, 1986, XI, p. 48).

graminicola
L. gramen, graminis grass; -cola dweller < colere to inhabit.

bengalensis
Bengal, India (from local name Bangala). Historically, Bengal comprised the greater part of northern India.
● ex “Little Indian Kingfisher” of Edwards 1743, “Ispida Bengalensis” of Brisson 1760, “Martin-pêcheur de Bengale” of de Buffon 1770-1783, and “Indian Kingsfisher” of Latham 1782 (subsp. Alcedo atthis).
● ex “Lark-heeled Cuckow” of Brown 1776, and Latham 1782 (Centropus).
● ex “Bengal Vulture” of Latham 1781 (Gyps).
● ex “Indian Bustard” of Edwards 1758, and Latham 1783, “Pluvialis bengalensis major” of Brisson 1760, and “Churge” or “Outarde moyenne des Indes” of de Buffon 1770-1783 (Houbaropsis).