Superb Fairy-Wren

About Superb Fairy-Wren

The Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus), also known as Superb Blue-wren or colloquially as Blue wren, is a common and familiar passerine bird of the Maluridae family. Sedentary and territorial, it is found across south-eastern Australia. 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-wres grows to a length of 160mm. 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. Males colors black and blue head brown body with dark tail. Females: brown with slight orange/red patch around eye. Breeding mainly from September to January (all year round in northern climes), the female makes a small grass ball nest, almost always in a dense bush. After the nest is built, the female lays 3 - 4 eggs, and once incubated, both parents and non-mated males may feed the nestlings for 10 -14 days until they fledge. This "co-operative breeding" benefits all members of the group.

At the end of the breeding season the α male Superb Fairy-wrens retain their black and blue colours, while other males either don't have the adult plumage yet or loose it through the winter. In the process of moulting, the blue/black feathers are replaced by more greyish ones. In 2007 the breeding season started in July, at which point the males could be seen in their full splendor.
Superb Wrens thrive in environments created by human land use, and are often found in pastures, fields, and gardens. Preferring areas of mixed grassland for foraging, and shrubby cover for nesting and protection, almost all activity like feeding and nest building occurs less than 2 metres off the ground. These small insectivorous birds usually live in social groups of between 6 -12 individuals, normally consisting of a breeding pair, and non-breeding males or females. Social groups are sedentary in a single territory, where they will remain all year round.