Variegated Fairywren
![A Purple-backed Fairywren (Malurus assimilis) on a thin branch. [Photographed by Peter Rowland]](https://prpw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PRPW-180406-13-3964-1.jpg "Purple-backed Fairywren (formerly included with Variegated Fairywren)")
Scientific Name: Malurus lamberti
Size: 14 to 15 cm
What does it look like?
The bright blue, purple, chestnut, black and white plumage is found only in the male of the Variegated Fairywren, females and young birds are brownish to pale blue-grey in colour. The depth and variety of colours in the male varies among the four subspecies, scattered throughout the Australian mainland.
Where is it found?
The Variegated Fairywren occurs throughout Australia, with the exception of Cape York, Queensland, Tasmani and the south of Western Australia.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Variegated Fairywren is found in a variety of habitats, ranging from heathlands in the East to arid scrublands in central Australia, and rocky ridges in the North, and is the most widespread of the nine species of fairywrens found in Australia. Like most other fairywrens, the Variegated Fairywren is normally seen in small family groups of up to seven birds. These groups usually consist of a dominant male and female and several young birds, which resemble the female in plumage colour. Contrary to popular belief, the brightly coloured male does not have a harem of females; the brown birds are mostly males, as the parental female drives away other members of her sex at the onset of the breeding season.
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots
