The purple-backed fairywren is a fairywren that is native to Australia. Described by Alfred John North in 1901, it has four recognised subspecies. In a species that exhibits sexual dimorphism, the brightly coloured breeding male has chestnut shoulders and azure crown and ear coverts, while non-breeding males, females and juveniles have predominantly grey-brown plumage, although females of two subspecies have mainly blue-grey plumage. Distributed over much of the Australian continent, the purple-backed fairywren is found in scrubland with plenty of vegetation providing dense cover.
Region
Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs across much of the Australian continent, especially the arid and semi-arid interior and the tropical savanna fringes of the north. It favors scrubby habitats with dense, low vegetation such as acacia (mulga), spinifex grasslands, mallee, and riparian thickets. It also occupies coastal heaths and open woodland edges where understorey cover is available. The species avoids long stretches of open ground and relies on clumps of vegetation for foraging and protection. It is largely sedentary within well-defined territories.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This fairywren shows striking sexual dimorphism: breeding males display a purple to mauve back, azure crown and ear coverts, and chestnut shoulders, while females and non-breeding males are mostly grey-brown. It lives in small cooperative groups that defend territories year-round, with offspring from previous seasons often helping to raise new broods. Like other fairywrens, it spends much of its time low in dense shrubs, flitting quickly between cover.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Lives in small, cooperative groups that defend territories year-round. Pairs are socially monogamous, but cooperative breeding with helpers is common, and nests are placed low in dense shrubs or grasses. They spend much time hopping and skulking through cover, using brief flights between bushes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a high, tinkling series of trills and thin whistles delivered from within shrubs or low perches. Calls include sharp chips and scolding churrs used to maintain contact and signal alarm.
Plumage
Breeding male with azure crown and ear coverts, purple-backed mantle, black mask and throat, chestnut shoulders, grey-white underparts, and a long blue tail; non-breeding males resemble females. Females are predominantly grey-brown with paler underparts and a long, blue-tinged tail; some subspecies females appear bluish-grey. Plumage is soft and sleek with subtle barring on the flanks.
Diet
Primarily consumes small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, spiders, and caterpillars. Forages by gleaning from foliage, grasses, and bark, and by probing among leaf litter. Occasionally takes small seeds or berries, especially when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds close to the ground within dense shrubs, spinifex clumps, and along the edges of thickets. Often forages in family groups, moving quickly between patches of cover.
