Red-backed Fairy Wren

Description:

Small, dainty little bird of the Australian bush; males are a deep velvet black with a distinctive red 'cape' (varies from deep scarlet to bright orange); colour faded during non-breeding times; females dull brown shades with reddish ring around eyes and red on beak; insect eaters; nests are built low to the ground in a mass of grasses and leaf materials pulled together; often seen in family groups or pairs; call is a loud twittering, with single notes; grows to around 13cm (includes the long tail that is often held upright). Sometimes known as black elf wren or red wren.

Habitat:

Found in thick grass regions and forest with grass areas, near farms also, throughout north and north east of Australia.