Superb fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus)

The Superb fairy-wren is a small, common passerine bird found across south-eastern Australia.

Identification

Adult Males

Adult males in breeding plumage have a bright blue forehead, ear coverts, mantle and tail, brown wings, and black throat, eye band, breast and bill. Non-breeding males are a plain fawn colour with a lighter underbelly and a dull greyish blue tail. Males have a black bill.

Adult Females

Adult females are a plain fawn colour and have a dull red-orange area around the eye and a brown bill.

Immature

Juveniles are similar to adult females.

Gallery

Male

Davistown, Australia (2009)

Female

Davistown, Australia (2009)

Male

Western Plains Zoo (2007)

Related Page Hierarchy

Species

Kingdom: Animalia (animals)

Phylum: Chordata (vertebrates, sea squirts)

Class: Aves (birds)

Order: Passeriformes (perching birds)

Family: Maluridae (Australian wrens)

Superb fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus)