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Purple-backed Fairy-wren (male)

Malurus assimilis rogersi

Photo by Liana
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

In 2018, the purple-backed fairy-wren was finally declared a new species, after being incorrectly labelled a Variegated Fairy-wren prior to the new discovery (they look very similar). You can read about the news https://ebird.org/australia/news/2018-ebird-annual-taxonomy-update-aust… "Like other fairywrens, it is notable for its marked sexual dimorphism, males adopting a highly visible breeding plumage of brilliant iridescent blue and chestnut contrasting with black and grey-brown. The brightly coloured crown and ear tufts are prominently featured in breeding displays. The male in breeding plumage has striking bright blue ear coverts and blue-purple crown and forehead, a black throat and nape, a blue-purple upper back, chestnut shoulders and a bluish-grey tail. The wings are drab brown and the belly white." (Wiki)

Habitat:

Cruising around amongst the trees, shrubs and scrub at the Waste Water Wetlands.

Notes:

There are four sub-species of which M. a. rogersi which is located in the Kimberley region and North-Western Australia.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)

Little birds are funny like that. I find that in areas with lots of foliage, the little ones feel safe. Just to sit quietly for a few minutes tends to bring them in. I'm happy just to be with them, but I don't often take pics because they are faster then me and my camera.
Thank you Neil! These little ones can be quite curious. I remember just standing there, peering into through the branches and leaves to try and see them, and after a bit they decided to come out and check out what the human was doing :D
How adorable. Such a beautiful little guy. Lovely spotting, Liana.

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