Red-winged Fairywren

The Red-winged Fairywren (Malurus elegans) is a passerine bird, a member of the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. It is the largest of the fairywrens, measuring 15 cm in length and weighing between 8-11 grams. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male in breeding plumage is a striking mix of iridescent silvery-blue and red-brown with a black throat, while non-breeding males, females, and juveniles display a more subdued grey-brown plumage.

Identification Tips

Males in breeding plumage can be identified by their silvery-blue crown, ear coverts, and upper back, with a contrasting black throat and nape, and bright red-brown shoulders. Their long grey-brown tail and wings, and a greyish-white belly complete the ensemble. Females and non-breeding males are predominantly grey-brown, though males may retain some blue and black feathers. A black bill and lores are characteristic of males, while females have a black bill, rufous lores, and a pale grey eye-ring.

Habitat

The Red-winged Fairywren favors the shelter of scrubby vegetation in temperate wetter forests dominated by karri trees. It prefers wetter gullies and riverside sword sedge within these forests.

Distribution

This species is non-migratory and endemic to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, from Moore River north of Perth south through to the Margaret River region and east to Albany.

Behaviour

The Red-winged Fairywren is a cooperative breeder, with groups consisting of a socially monogamous pair and several helper birds. They maintain and defend small territories year-round. Males engage in a unique courtship display involving the presentation of yellow petals to females.

Song & Calls

The Red-winged Fairywren communicates with a variety of vocalizations, including a high-pitched reel for territory disputes and soft, repeating tones for maintaining contact. Alarm calls are sharp and loud.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from October to December. Nests are built by the female, often in thick vegetation, and are dome-shaped structures made of grass and spider webs. Clutches usually consist of two or three eggs, with the female solely responsible for incubation.

Similar Species

The Red-winged Fairywren is similar in appearance to the Variegated Fairywren and the Blue-breasted Fairywren but is considered a separate species due to the absence of intermediate forms where their ranges overlap.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily insectivorous, the Red-winged Fairywren forages in bracken and low shrubs, as well as leaf-litter on the ground. It consumes a wide range of small creatures, mostly insects such as ants, beetles, spiders, bugs, and caterpillars.

Conservation Status

The Red-winged Fairywren is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, there is evidence of a decline in numbers due to habitat changes such as draining of swampland.