Distribution Map
Lovely Fairywren
Malurus amabilis
EndemicStatus
UncommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Lovely Fairy-wren is a small, tree-dwelling bird endemic to northeastern Queensland, Australia. It is most often seen in the edges of rainforests and dense vegetation, where its blue and white plumage stands out among the foliage. This species is the most tree-dwelling of all Australian fairy-wrens, typically foraging above ground level.
Fun Facts
Males occasionally carry yellow flower petals during courtship displays, though this is less frequent than in some other fairy-wren species.
1. Short tail with broad white tips and edges, often fanned
2. White underparts in all plumages; females have a complete white front from chin to tail
3. White lores and eye-ring contrasting with blue ear-coverts, giving a "spectacled" look
Lovely Fairy-wrens are cooperative breeders, maintaining territories and breeding year-round, with increased activity during the wet season. Nests are built low in dense vegetation. Groups are small, usually consisting of an adult pair and their offspring, with males providing significant parental care. Their diet is primarily insects, which they glean from foliage. Unlike most fairy-wrens, males retain their bright plumage year-round. Habitat loss from rainforest clearing is the main threat to this species.
Lovely Fairy-wrens are found in northeastern Queensland, from Cape York Peninsula south to around Townsville. They inhabit rainforest edges, mangroves, and dense shrubby areas, foraging mainly in trees and shrubs from 1 to 2 meters above ground. They are most active at dawn and dusk, moving in small groups and communicating with soft calls.
Physical Attributes
Height
12 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds7%
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