Superb Fairywren
Malurus cyaneus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Passeriformes · Maluridae
About
The superb fairywren is a passerine bird in the Australasian wren family, Maluridae, and is common and familiar across south-eastern Australia. It is a sedentary and territorial species, also exhibiting a high degree of sexual dimorphism; the male in breeding plumage has a striking bright blue forehead, ear coverts, mantle, and tail, with a black mask and black or dark blue throat. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles are predominantly grey-brown in colour; this gave the early impression that males were polygamous, as all dull-coloured birds were taken for females. Six subspecies groups are recognized: three larger and darker forms from Tasmania, Flinders and King Island respectively, and three smaller and paler forms from mainland Australia and Kangaroo Island.
Fun Fact
Male superb fairywrens pluck yellow flower petals and present them to females as courtship gifts — one of the few bird species known to use 'props' in their mating displays.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Scrublands and gardens
Diet
Insectivore
Lifespan
5-6 years
Threats
- Invasive Species
- Overgrazing