Skip to main content

Superb Fairy-wren

Malurus cyaneus

Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-37.1901, 144.38

Field Notes

Notes:

Male Superb Fairy-wrens have been labelled as 'the least faithful birds in the world'. Females may be courted by up to 13 males in half an hour, and 76% of young are sired by males from outside the social group.

(Birds in Backyards)

Reference Links:

Superb Fairywren, Superb Fairy-wren | BIRDS in BACKYARDS

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
MartinL
Great notes. Birds are often faithful but many are promiscuous. Where males are brightly colored such as peacocks and wrens, the male has more power. Other species without dimorphism such as swans, eagles and parrots are very likely to form lasting pair bonds. Correlations to the human species have been made by some who may wish to justify or understand infidelity.

Spotted for Missions

Blue & Purple Holland (482km radius)
Mission
Birds of the World
Photographed
PublishedMarch 14, 2012

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies