Purple-crowned Fairywren

1. Breeding males have a purple crown with a black central spot and a sharply defined black facial mask.

2. Females show a blue-grey cap and chestnut ear-patches with a white eyebrow.

3. All individuals have cinnamon-brown upperparts, white underparts, and a long blue tail typically held cocked upright

These birds are cooperative breeders, living in small family groups that defend linear territories along waterways. Pairs form long-term bonds, and both males and females have high annual survival rates. The species is primarily insectivorous, foraging for beetles and ants in all levels of vegetation. Habitat degradation from livestock grazing, fire, and invasive species has significantly reduced the dense vegetation they rely on, making them vulnerable in many areas.

Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens inhabit dense riparian vegetation along permanent waterways in northern Australia, from the Kimberley region to the Gulf Country. They are most often found in thickets of Pandanus, cane-grass, and dense shrubs within close proximity to water. Family groups are most active at dawn, foraging through their territories. Their song is a lower-pitched reel, often described as "cheepa-cheepa-cheepa," and is lower in pitch than other fairy-wrens. Look for quick movements in dense riverside vegetation, especially where there is a thick understory.

The Purple-crowned Fairy-wren is a symbol of healthy rivers in northern Australia. Its presence shows that the local environment is in good condition. Because these birds rely on dense riverside plants, protecting their habitat also helps many other species.