Malurus cyaneus

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Family

Maluridae

Genus

Malurus

Species

cyaneus

Common Names

Superb Fairy-wren, Blue Wren, Jenny Wren

Distinguishing Features

Fairy-wrens are small birds, 13-14 cm in size, with raised tails. Adult male Superb Fairy-wrens have very bright rich blue and black breeding plumage above and on the throat. The belly is grey-white and the bill is black. Females and young birds are mostly brown with a dull red-orange area around the eye and a brown bill. Females have a pale greenish gloss on their otherwise brown tail. The legs are brown in both sexes.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A series of high pitched trills, which the male often extends into song.

Similar Species

There are many species of Fairy-wren in Australia. The males are fairly distinctive, however the females and the young from different species are similar looking. Both the Superb and White-winged Fairy-wrens (Malurus leucopterus) are similar in size, while the Variegated Fairy-wren (Malurus lamberti) is slightly larger in size and has a longer tail.

Distribution

Down the eastern states of Australia and across the SA and into TAS.

Country of Origin

Australia.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

The superb Fairy-wren is the only Fairy-wren species in the ACT and is now the most common native woodland species in the region. Since 1981, bird numbers have increased three-fold, probably due to increased garden areas (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

The species is found very abundantly across the entire survey site, especially in well-vegetated areas.

Associated vegetation community

Thick shrubby areas and gardens with dense understorey vegetation.

Limiting Resources

Superb Fairy-wrens require good sheltered nesting sites of thick bushes. Large amount of ground cover and organic matter is also needed so they can forage for insects.

Breeding

The female builds a domed nest from grasses and fine twigs in concealed dense shrubs and bushes. Nest building takes place from August to November, with females laying 3-4 eggs. Dependant young can be found from September to late April, from either a first or second brood.

Behaviour

Superb Fairy-wrens live in family groups with a dominant male and female and other young males to help raise the young. The birds are quite sedentary and do not migrate, preferring to remain in a given territory.

Functional Group

Insectivore

Food Species

Superb Fairy-wrens feed on insects and other small arthropods and forage on the ground and in low-lying shrubs in small social groups.

Predators

Cats (Felis catus) and Pied Currawongs (Strepera graculina ) predate on Superb Fairy-wrens.

Interesting Fact

Male Superb Fairy-wrens have been labelled 'the most unfaithful birds in the world' as they will breed with many different females each season.