Megalurulus rubiginosus

Arthropods and other invertebrates; some seeds also eaten. Feeds almost entirely on small insects, chiefly larvae of moths (Lepidoptera) and flies (Diptera); several species of bug (Hemiptera), crickets (Orthoptera), mantids (Mantodea) and small beetles (Coleoptera) also recorded. Nestlings fed particularly on soft- bodied lepidoptera larvae and larval instars of orthopterans. Solitary or in pairs. Forages on or close to ground, nimbly slipping through dense grass and picking insects from both ground and stems; hops and sometimes even runs between grass clumps. Despite shy reputation, can be very inquisitive, climbing taller stems to view intruders, tail- switching, often calling agitatedly from post or wire; if flushed, generally flies low for just a few metres before dropping back into cover.