It seems unfair when one member of the family gets all the good looks, especially when it's the father. But that's how it is in families of the superb fairy-wren.

The dazzling blue plumage on a breeding male's head and neck and tail will catch your eye if you're lucky enough to have one in your area. These beautiful birds are not at all shy of humans and have been known to skip merrily among people sitting on a terrace or verandah. This is what a superb wren sounds like (MP3 - 279KB).

Somewhere nearby will be a group of small brown birds. These are the mother, and 'stay at home' sons and daughters of previous broods.

These fascinating little families of birds may well be your neighbours. Keep an eye out for them in your backyard or local park.

How you can help superb fairy-wrens prosper in your area

The family group guards a small-scale empire. Their territory will include a safe fortress of thick-growing shrubs, together with open areas such as lawns which are the rich food bowl for these birds. With a few simple changes, your backyard or park can become a better home for superb fairy-wrens.

What superb fairy-wrens like and dislike

Superb fairy-wrens love:

But they don't like:

Cats, dogs and foxes, which can frighten or even attack them.
Garden pesticides, which kill insects, leaving the fairy-wrens with not enough to eat.

Be a superb fairy-wren buddy

Try to:

Avoid:

Don't be surprised if:

One colourful male is accompanied by a harem of brown birds. Those are actually juvenile males and females, together with his breeding partner.

Superb wren call courtesy of Nature Sound.

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