Splendid Fairywren
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Aviceda" title="User:Aviceda">Aviceda</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameSplendid Fairywren
Common NameSplendid Fairywren
Scientific NameMalurus splendens
FamilyMaluridae
Wingspan (cm)15
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)9.5
Plumage DetailsThe female Splendid Fairywren has sandy-brown upperparts, a whitish belly, and a pale rufous (orange-brown) eye-ring. Her tail is a dull blue. Breeding males are strikingly iridescent blue with black markings on the crown, nape, and breast, while non-breeding males resemble females but retain some blue in their wings and tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid, reeling trill or series of high-pitched notes, often described as a 'reeling song.' They also emit various contact calls and sharp alarm calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsshrubland, woodland, mallee, heathland, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across arid and semi-arid regions of mainland Australia, excluding the far north and southeast. Its range includes parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales.
Identifying Featureslong, upright blue tail (especially prominent in males), iridescent blue plumage in breeding males, sandy-brown plumage with rufous eye-ring in females, small size and active foraging behavior, found in dense undergrowth
Description
The Splendid Fairywren is a small, active insectivorous bird endemic to Australia. Females, like the one pictured, are predominantly sandy-brown with a distinctive blue tail, while breeding males display brilliant iridescent blue plumage. They are typically found foraging in dense undergrowth in arid and semi-arid regions.
