IUCN Least Concern (LC)
Superb Fairy-wren
Malurus cyaneus
Known for their dazzling breeding plumage and adulterous behaviour, small urban birds like the Superb Fairy-wren are showing concerning signs of decline.
Adult male Superb Fairy-wrens are brightly coloured, 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. Immature and non-breeding males have a black 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.
Bird call recorded by: Richard White
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 dominant male and several females and young birds.
Distribution map
Superb Fairy-wrens have been labelled as ‘the least faithful birds in the world’. Females may be courted by up to 13 males in half an hour, and 76% of young are sired by males from outside the social group.
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 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 eggs alone, but both sexes feed the young. Other members of the group will also help with the feeding of the young.
IUCN status reflects the conservation status of this species globally.
