small bird series: very talkative ♀ superb fairy wren

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In the past, birdsong has been studied almost exclusively in males. However, birds in the tropics and the southern hemisphere are a different story, and Australian studies have revealed female birds vocalise just as much as males, if not more. The finding raises an important question: if female birdsong provides an advantage in female-female communication, why have female birds in temperate climates lost the ability to sing? (Source: Australian Geographic, October 12, 2015)

....from a walk through Oxley Creek Common. Oxley Creek Common is home to a remarkable variety of birds. An experienced observer can find as many as 70 species in one hour of observation during the spring about 10% of all Australia's bird species and several times the diversity one could find walking the suburbs. In the past eleven years over 190 species have been recorded on the Common. (Source: University of Queensland)

Superb Fairy-wren (I think? - a toss up between the red-backed and superb)
Scientific Name: Malurus cyaneus
Description: Adult male Superb Fairy-wrens are among the most brightly coloured of the species, especially during the breeding season. They have rich blue and black plumage above and on the throat. The belly is grey-white and the bill is black. Females and young birds are mostly brown above with a dull red-orange area around the eye and a brown bill. Females have a pale greenish gloss, absent in young birds, on the otherwise brown tail. The legs are brown in both sexes. Males from further inland and in the south-west of the range have more blue on the back and underparts.
Similar species: Several other species of fairy-wren are found in Australia. The males of each species are quite distinct, but the females and young birds are often difficult to separate. Of the species that overlap in range with the Superb Fairy-wren, the female White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus and Red-backed Fairy-wren M. melanocephalus lacks the chestnut colour around the eye, while the female Variegated Fairy-wren M. lamberti has a dull grey-blue wash. Both the Superb and White-winged Fairy-wrens are similar in size. The Variegated Fairy-wren is slightly larger in size and has a longer tail.
Distribution: Superb Fairy-wrens are found south of the Tropic of Capricorn through eastern Australia and Tasmania to the south-eastern corner of South Australia.
Habitat: Seen in most habitat types where suitable dense cover and low shrubs occur. They are common in urban parks and gardens, and can be seen in small social groups. These groups normally consist of one dominant male and several females and young birds.
Feeding: Superb Fairy-wrens feed on insects and other small arthropods. These are caught mostly on the ground, but may also be taken from low bushes. Feeding takes place in small social groups.
Breeding: The nest is a dome-shaped structure of grasses and other fine material. It is usually placed in a low bush and is constructed by the female. The female incubates the eggs alone, but both sexes feed the young. Other members of the group will also help with the feeding of the young.
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.
Calls: The Superb Fairy-wren gives a series of high pitched trills, which are given by both sexes. The male often extends these trills into song.
Minimum Size: 13cm
Maximum Size: 14cm
Average size: 14cm
Average weight: 10g
Clutch Size: Three to four.
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)

© Chris Burns 2017
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This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.

Taken in: Australia / Queensland / Brisbane / Rocklea (show map)

Taken on: June 25, 2017

Tags:

Superb Fairy-wren

Malurus cyaneus

bird

Australian bird

fauna

Australian fauna

wren

fairy wren

blue wren

nature

Nikon D500

Oxley Creek Common

Brisbane

Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports « less

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Camera: Nikon D500, f/9.0, 1/320 sec, 600mm (=900mm), ISO 400 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D500
Lens:	150.0-600.0 mm f/5.0-6.3
Aperture:	f/9.0
Exposure Time:	0.003 sec (1/320)
Focal Length:	600mm (35mm equivalent: 900mm)
ISO:	400
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	No Flash
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Sharpness:	Hard
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	Adobe Photoshop CS6 (Windows)
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