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Variegated Fairy-wren

(Malurus lamberti)
Size: 13-14 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Variegated Fairy-wrens are found almost everywhere on the Australian continent, with the following exceptions: Cape York peninsula, the Great Dividing Range south of the Hunter River in NSW, the southern Alps, a small area around Adelaide and also Eyre peninsula and the southern part of WA, up to the Nullarbor on the border with SA. They are also absent from the area of Litchfield National Park in the NT. Their status in Arnhemland is not well-established.

Variegated Fairy-wrens can usually be found in the undergrowth of various types of forest and in heathland.

Sightings

Several families of Variegated Fairy-wrens, race "assimilis", were spotted by us, without any doubt about their identification, in the area 15-30 km east of Narrabri, NSW. We have found at least two families sharing their territories with Superb Fairy-wrens (early in the breeding season).

In November 2010 a family was spotted by us in a park in the township of Narrabri.

Race "lamberti" was observed by us in Crowdy Head National Park, on the Headlands Track. No photos available yet.

Photos

Race "assimilis"

Lateral view of a male Variegated Fairy-wren

The same male as above, now shown together with two females

Here a male with its head turned, showing the purplish blue colour of its crown; this identifies the bird as a specimen of race "assimilis"

Here two males conveniently aligned such that one is seen from the front, the other sideways; note the complexity of the colour patterns giving the species its name

This male is moulting out of its breeding plumage (slightly unsharp)

Two views of a male bird in non-breeding plumage; the white lining of the tail feathers is characteristic of Variegated Fairy-wrens - note that many field guides do not mention this distinguishing feature!

Female Variegated Fairy-wren taking a bath

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Territorial Mobility: Sedentary Elementary unit: Family clan

Although territorial, we have seen Variegated Fairy-wrens share their territories with Superb Fairy-wrens.

Food

Fairy-wrens feed on small animals, such as insects.