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Overview
Campbell's fairywren

Campbell's fairywren

Wikipedia

Campbell's fairywren is a species of bird in the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. It is found in New Guinea. It is found in south-central and south-eastern New Guinea in its natural habitat of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

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Distribution

Region

New Guinea

Typical Environment

Occurs in south-central and south-eastern New Guinea, inhabiting subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests. It favors dense understory in primary and mature secondary forest, including vine thickets, bamboo patches, and pandanus groves. Birds also use forest edges and overgrown clearings near rivers and swamp margins. The species keeps close to the ground and mid-story, moving through tangles and along shaded stream courses.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size11–14 cm
Wing Span15–18 cm
Male Weight0.011 kg
Female Weight0.01 kg
Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Campbell's fairywren is a small insect-eating songbird of New Guinea’s lowland rainforests, where it keeps to dense undergrowth. Pairs often keep contact with soft duets and frequent tail-cocking as they hop through vine tangles. It was formerly treated within the broad-billed fairywren complex, with taxonomy clarified by vocal and genetic differences. Despite its shy habits, it can be located by its sharp chip notes along forest edges and trails.

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low fluttering flights

Social Behavior

Usually found in pairs or small family groups maintaining a territory in dense understory. Partners keep close contact with soft calls and may engage in antiphonal duets. Nests are typically domed or ball-like structures placed low in thick vegetation.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a series of thin, high trills and tinkling notes, often delivered as coordinated duets between pair members. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes from cover.

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