The male wears a dramatic black body with a vivid flame-red back during breeding season, while females are soft brown and dainty.
Red-backed fairy-wren
Malurus melanocephalus
Photo: Shirley Hitschmann
Photo: Stephen Goldsworthy
Photo: Phil Mahon
Photo: Stephen Goldsworthy
Bird Description:
Special features:
Tiny but bold—they flit low through grasses and shrubs, often in noisy family groups.
Did you know?:
Outside breeding season, males lose their bright colours and blend in with the flock—until it’s time to impress again.
View more information on this bird at Birdlife Australia: https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Malurus-melanocephalus
Habitat: Forest, Grasslands
Location: 1770-Joseph Banks Cons Park Nth, 1770-Joseph Banks Cons Park Sth, 1770-SES Grounds, AW-1770 Golf Course, Ocean Beaches, Sports and Rec
Size: Very Small
Type of bird: Finches, Wrens