Splendid Fairywren
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/7493258@N06">Julia Gross</a> (CC BY 2.0)
NameSplendid Fairywren
Common NameSplendid Fairywren
Scientific NameMalurus splendens
FamilyMaluridae
Wingspan (cm)15
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)9.5
Plumage DetailsBreeding males exhibit brilliant iridescent blue plumage on the head, mantle, and tail, contrasted with a black eye-stripe, black collar, and black lower back. The wings are a duller blue-grey. Females and non-breeding males are predominantly grey-brown with a blue tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid series of high-pitched trilling notes, often described as a 'reel' or 'churring' sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsdry woodlands, shrublands, mallee, heathlands, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across much of arid and semi-arid Australia, excluding the far north and east coast.
Identifying FeaturesStriking iridescent blue plumage (breeding male), Black eye-stripe and collar (breeding male), Long, upright blue tail, Small size, Active, ground-foraging behavior
Description
The Splendid Fairywren is a small, active passerine bird endemic to Australia. Males in breeding plumage are strikingly iridescent blue with black markings, often seen foraging on the ground in small groups.
