Purple-backed Fairywren

The Purple-backed Fairywren (Malurus assimilis) is a small, dynamic bird native to the vast landscapes of Australia. First described by Alfred John North in 1901, this species is a member of the Maluridae family and is known for its sexual dimorphism. The breeding male is a spectacle of nature with chestnut shoulders and a dazzling azure crown and ear coverts. Outside of the breeding season, males, along with females and juveniles, display a more subdued grey-brown plumage. However, females of two subspecies break this pattern with predominantly blue-grey feathers.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Purple-backed Fairywren, look for the male's breeding plumage, which features bright blue ear coverts, a blue-purple crown and forehead, a black throat and nape, and a bluish-grey tail. The wings are a less conspicuous brown, and the belly is white. Females and non-breeding males are generally grey-brown, with females of the subspecies rogersi and dulcis being mainly blue-grey. The black bill and lores are characteristic of males, while females of certain subspecies have red-brown bills and bright rufous lores.

Habitat

This species thrives in scrubland rich in dense vegetation, often favouring rocky outcrops and thickets of Acacia and Eremophila. It is also found in chenopod scrubland, where saltbush and bluebush dominate.

Distribution

The Purple-backed Fairywren is widely distributed across the Australian continent, with its range extending from Queensland and western New South Wales to coastal Western Australia. It is notably absent from the southeast, where other fairywren species are found.

Behaviour

The Purple-backed Fairywren is generally sedentary, with pairs maintaining territories throughout the year. They exhibit a strong preference for open woodland and scrubland habitats.

Breeding

Breeding can occur at any time in inland Australia, often triggered by heavy rains. The species typically raises one brood per year. The nest is a round or domed structure made of grasses, twigs, and spider webs, with an entrance on one side.

Similar Species

The Purple-backed Fairywren is part of a group known as chestnut-shouldered fairywrens, which includes the Lovely Fairywren, Variegated Fairywren, Red-winged Fairywren, and Blue-breasted Fairywren. Identification of these similar species requires careful attention to their distinct plumage and regional distributions.

Conservation status

The Purple-backed Fairywren is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population. However, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and grazing has had a negative impact on the species in certain regions.