Distribution Map
Variegated Fairywren
Malurus lamberti
EndemicStatus
CommonRarity
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Species Description
The Variegated Fairy-wren is one of Australia’s most colourful small birds, known for its long, upright tail and vibrant plumage in breeding males. This adaptable species is found across much of mainland Australia, inhabiting a wide range of environments from coastal heathlands to arid shrublands.
Fun Facts
Males often carry brightly coloured petals, usually yellow, during courtship displays to attract females`.`.
1. Breeding males have an azure blue crown and ear-tufts, black eye-stripe and collar, and chestnut shoulders.
2. Females show a dark reddish-brown loral stripe and eye-ring, and a red-brown bill.
3. All plumages (except juveniles) have a long blue-grey tail, usually held upright.
Variegated Fairy-wrens are found in a variety of habitats across most of mainland Australia, except Cape York Peninsula, Tasmania, and the far southwest. In the east, they inhabit coastal heathlands, dry sclerophyll forests with dense understory, and shrubby forest edges. Inland, they occur in mallee woodlands, acacia and chenopod shrublands, and dense vegetation along watercourses. They are most active at dawn and early morning, foraging in small groups through dense vegetation. Listen for their soft contact calls, such as a high-pitched "tsst" or "seeee," and watch for quick movements in low shrubs. They are often shy and retreat into cover but may perch briefly atop shrubs.
Physical Attributes
Height
13 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds12%
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