Red-backed Fairywren
Photo: Greg Miles from Australia · CC BY-SA 2.0

Grasswrens, Fairywrens, and Emu-wrens

Red-backed Fairywren

Malurus melanocephalus

LCLeast Concern Endemic to Australia
Family
Grasswrens, Fairywrens, and Emu-wrens (Maluridae)
Order
Passeriformes

Overview

The red-backed fairywren (Malurus melanocephalus) is a species of passerine bird in the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. It is endemic to Australia and can be found near rivers and coastal areas along the northern and eastern coastlines from the Kimberley in the northwest to the Hunter Region in New South Wales. The male adopts a striking breeding plumage, with a black head, upperparts and tail, and a brightly coloured red back and brown wings. The female has brownish upperparts and paler underparts.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Continents

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Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.