Male Superb Fairy-wren
(Photograph by Alex Dudley)
Description
A common, widespread and well-known small bird, up to 140mm, the male Superb Fairy-wren has a distinctive sky-blue crown, ear coverts and upper back. The chest and throat are a dark blue and the belly is grey-white and the wings are brown. The long tail - typical of wrens - is dark blue.
Females and young birds are brown above with a dull red-orange area around the eye and a brown bill. The legs are brown in both sexes.
Habitat
The Superb Fairy-wren occurs in a range of habitats from open forest and woodland to scrub where suitable dense cover occurs. They are common in urban parks and gardens, often in small social groups. These groups normally consist of one male and several females and young birds.
Diet
Female Superb Fairy-wren
(Photograph by Steve Johnson)
The Superb Fairy-wren eats insects and small arthropods from among the undergrowth and leaf litter. Feeding often takes place in
small social groups.
Breeding
The breeding season runs from September to March. The nest, constructed by the female, is a dome-shaped structure of grasses and other fine material, usually in a low bush. The female incubates the three to four eggs alone, but both sexes feed the chicks. Other members of the group will also help with the feeding of the young, allowing two to three broods to be produced each season.
Call
To advertise, defend territory and keep close together, both sexes of the Superb fairy-wren have a song comprising of loud, rapid notes ending in a trill.
Distribution
Found in suitable habitat throughout Tasmania.