Variegated Fairywren
NameVariegated Fairywren
Common NameVariegated Fairywren
Scientific NameMalurus lamberti
FamilyMaluridae
Wingspan (cm)15
Length (cm)14.5
Weight (g)8.5
Plumage DetailsBreeding males display a bright sky-blue crown and ear-coverts, black lores, throat, and upper breast, with distinctive rufous-chestnut shoulders. Their back is brown, belly greyish-white, and they possess a long, erect blue tail. Females and non-breeding males are duller, predominantly brown with a dull blue tail.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched reeling or trilling song, often described as a 'churring' or 'reeling' call, used for communication and territorial defense.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound widely across eastern and south-eastern Australia, with isolated populations also occurring in parts of Western Australia.
Identifying Featuresbright blue crown and ear-coverts (male), black throat and upper breast (male), rufous-chestnut shoulders (male), long, erect blue tail, small size, active foraging behavior
Description
This small, active passerine is known for the male's striking breeding plumage. They typically forage in dense undergrowth, often in small family groups, hopping and flitting to catch insects.
