Grasswrens, Fairywrens, and Emu-wrens
Superb Fairywren
Malurus cyaneus
- Family
- Grasswrens, Fairywrens, and Emu-wrens (Maluridae)
- Order
- Passeriformes
Overview
The superb fairywren (Malurus cyaneus) is a passerine bird in the Australasian wren family, Maluridae, and is common and familiar across south-eastern Australia. It is a sedentary and territorial species, also exhibiting a high degree of sexual dimorphism; the male in breeding plumage has a striking bright blue forehead, ear coverts, mantle, and tail, with a black mask and black or dark blue throat. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles are predominantly grey-brown in colour; this gave the early impression that males were polygamous, as all dull-coloured birds were taken for females. Six subspecies groups are recognized: three larger and darker forms from Tasmania, Flinders and King Island respectively, and three smaller and paler forms from mainland Australia and Kangaroo Island.
Like other fairywrens, the superb fairywren is notable for several peculiar behavioural characteristics; the birds are socially monogamous and sexually promiscuous, meaning that although they form pairs between one male and one female, each partner will mate with other individuals and even assist in raising the young from such pairings.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Diet: Insects.
How to identify it
- Tiny bird with a long, cocked tail
- Breeding male: iridescent sky-blue and black head
- Females and non-breeding males are plain brown with an orange-brown face
Voice
Rapid reeling trill.
Where to see it
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
- Canberra
Range and habitat
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Superb fairywren
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.