The variegated fairywren is a fairywren that lives in eastern Australia. As 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.
Region
Eastern and southeastern Australia
Typical Environment
Found in a wide variety of shrubby habitats including coastal heathlands, eucalypt forest understories, mallee, and riparian thickets. Prefers areas with dense low cover for foraging and nesting. Common in woodland edges, regenerating scrub, and urban parks and gardens with thick shrubs. Generally sedentary within established territories year-round.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Variegated fairywrens live in small cooperative groups, with non-breeding helpers assisting a dominant pair. Breeding males display brilliant azure and chestnut plumage and often carry colorful flower petals during courtship. They build domed nests low in dense shrubs. Outside the breeding season, males molt into a more subdued, female-like plumage.
Female (eclipse male has pale eye ring, dark face stripe)
Male and females, Dayboro, SE Queensland
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Occurs in small cooperative groups that defend territories. Nests are domed and placed low in dense vegetation. Extra-pair mating is common, and helpers assist with feeding nestlings and defending the territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin trills and rapid, buzzy chatter used for contact and territorial signaling. Males give softer trills and display calls during courtship, especially in the breeding season.
