Malurus cyaneus
Adult male Superb Fairy-wrens are among the most brightly coloured of the species, especially during the breeding season. They have rich blue and black plumage above and on the throat. The belly is grey-white and the bill is black. Females and young birds are mostly brown above with a dull red-orange area around the eye and a brown bill. Females have a pale greenish gloss, absent in young birds, on the otherwise brown tail. The legs are brown in both sexes. Males from further inland and in the south-west of the range have more blue on the back and underparts. The Superb Fairy-wren gives a series of high pitched trills, which are given by both sexes. The male often extends these trills into song.
Several other species of fairy-wren are found in Australia. The males of each species are quite distinct, but the females and young birds are often difficult to separate. Of the species that overlap in range with the Superb Fairy-wren, the female White-winged Fairy-wren M. leucopterus and Red-backed Fairy-wren M. melanocephalus lacks the chestnut colour around the eye, while the female Variegated Fairy-wren M. lamberti has a dull grey-blue wash. Both the Superb and White-winged Fairy-wrens are similar in size, measuring about 13cm - 14cm. The Variegated Fairy-wren is slightly larger in size and has a longer tail.
Superb Fairy-wrens are found south of the Tropic of Capricorn through eastern Australia and Tasmania to the south-eastern corner of South Australia. In this range they are seen in most habitat types where suitable dense cover and low shrubs occur. They are common in urban parks and gardens, and can be seen in small social groups. These groups normally consist of one male and several females and young birds.
Superb Fairy-wrens feed on insects and other small arthropods. These are caught mostly on the ground, but may also be taken from low bushes. Feeding takes place in small social groups.
The breeding season of the Superb Fairy-wren is quite long, July to March, but most activity takes place around September to January. The nest is a dome-shaped structure of grasses and other fine material. It is usually placed in a low bush and is constructed by the female. The female incubates the three to four eggs alone, but both sexes feed the young. Other members of the group will also help with the feeding of the young.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2003
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