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Purple-backed Fairy-wren (male)

Malurus assimilis rogersi

Description:

In 2018, the purple-backed fairy-wren was finally declared a new species, after being incorrectly labelled a Variegated Fairy-wren prior to the new discovery (they look very similar). You can read about the news: https://ebird.org/australia/news/2018-eb... "Like other fairywrens, it is notable for its marked sexual dimorphism, males adopting a highly visible breeding plumage of brilliant iridescent blue and chestnut contrasting with black and grey-brown. The brightly coloured crown and ear tufts are prominently featured in breeding displays. The male in breeding plumage has striking bright blue ear coverts and blue-purple crown and forehead, a black throat and nape, a blue-purple upper back, chestnut shoulders and a bluish-grey tail. The wings are drab brown and the belly white." (Wiki)

Habitat:

Flitting around in a small stand of trees near the waste water treatment wetlands.

Notes:

There are four sub-species of which M. a. rogersi which is located in the Kimberley region and North-Western Australia. Reference: The Michael Morcombe eGuide to Australian Birds, Mobile App. Reference: http://birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/vari...

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7 Comments

armadeus.4
armadeus.4 8 years ago

Thank you Leanne! When getting the shot that you are after...it is so worth the wait :) Hella frustrating while trying though ha ha

LeanneGardner
LeanneGardner 8 years ago

Nice one armadeus! What a darling little bird and well done on finally capturing the moment :)

armadeus.4
armadeus.4 8 years ago

Thank you everyone!!! I am so glad you all enjoy these images...indeed, this little bird is just stunning. I have seen this species of Fairy-wren quite a few times now but never had a clear image before...until now! AND...I got some more - better I reckon - shots of this little one this morning!!! Haven't added it as another spotting though... :)

The MnMs
The MnMs 8 years ago

What a beauty!

Spectacular !

LauraMaria
LauraMaria 8 years ago

Wow, such a gorgeous little bird!! Nicely captured too

Jim Nelson
Jim Nelson 8 years ago

Nice photo and write-up, Armadeus! Beautiful bird.

armadeus.4
Spotted by
armadeus.4

Derby, Western Australia, Australia

Spotted on Jan 16, 2016
Submitted on Jan 16, 2016

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