The red-winged fairywren is a species of passerine bird in the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. It is non-migratory and endemic to the southwestern corner of Western Australia. Exhibiting a high degree of sexual dimorphism, the male adopts a brilliantly coloured breeding plumage, with an iridescent silvery-blue crown, ear coverts and upper back, red shoulders, contrasting with a black throat, grey-brown tail and wings and pale underparts. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have predominantly grey-brown plumage, though males may bear isolated blue and black feathers. No separate subspecies are recognised. Similar in appearance and closely related to the variegated fairywren and the blue-breasted fairywren, it is regarded as a separate species as no intermediate forms have been recorded where their ranges overlap. Though the red-winged fairywren is locally common, there is evidence of a decline in numbers.
Region
Southwest Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs from near-coastal to inland forests and woodlands in the far southwest of Western Australia, particularly in jarrah and karri forests and dense coastal heath. Prefers areas with thick, continuous understory, including regenerating shrub layers after fire once cover is restored. Often found along creeklines, forest edges, and shrubby thickets where it can forage low and remain concealed. Avoids large open spaces and highly fragmented habitats.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking fairywren is confined to the southwest of Western Australia and lives year-round in small family groups. Males in breeding plumage show vivid blue heads with bright red shoulder patches that give the species its name. Like other fairywrens, they are socially monogamous but often engage in extra-pair mating, and males sometimes present colorful petals during courtship. They rely on dense understory for cover and foraging, making them sensitive to habitat thinning and frequent fires.
Female (left), black bill and red lores, male in eclipse plumage showing patches of black and blue
Karri Forest near Pemberton, the preferred habitat
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Lives in small cooperative groups centered on a breeding pair with helpers, defending year-round territories. Nests are domed and placed low in dense shrubs or grasses. Socially monogamous but with frequent extra-pair copulations; courtship often includes display postures and petal presentation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched warble interspersed with quick trills and buzzy notes. Calls include sharp ‘tsip’ contact notes used to keep group members together in dense cover.
