Grey Grasswren vs Superb Fairywren

Amytornis barbatus compared with Malurus cyaneus

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Grey Grasswren Superb Fairywren
Scientific Name Amytornis barbatus Malurus cyaneus
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Maluridae Maluridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 14.0 cm (5.5 in)
Wingspan 11.7 cm (4.6 in) 16.0 cm (6.3 in)
Weight 18.166666666666668 g (0.64 oz) 10.0 g (0.35 oz)
Diet -- Primarily insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from low vegetation. Also takes seeds and small …
Clutch Size 2-3 2-4
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Grey Grasswren
Superb Fairywren 14.0 cm
Wingspan
Grey Grasswren 11.7 cm
Superb Fairywren 16.0 cm
Weight
Grey Grasswren 18.166666666666668 g
Superb Fairywren 10.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Grey Grasswren only

Superb Fairywren only

Superb Fairywren

Dense undergrowth in eucalyptus woodland, gardens, parks, and heath throughout southeastern Australia.

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Song & Call Comparison

Grey Grasswren

Superb Fairywren

Song

An extremely complex, melodic song: a long series of trills and warbles delivered rapidly. Males sing throughout the day. Alarm is a sharp 'tseet'. Among Australia's finest singers.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Grey Grasswren

Superb Fairywren

Southeastern Australia from Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, to South Australia and Tasmania.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Grey Grasswren

Least Concern

Superb Fairywren

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How to Tell Them Apart

Grey Grasswren

Superb Fairywren

Plumage

Breeding males have a brilliant violet-blue crown, ear coverts, and mantle with a black throat band. Non-breeding males and females are plain brown with a blue tail.

Bill

Fine, pointed, dark bill

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About These Birds

Superb Fairywren

The superb fairywren is one of Australia's most beloved and recognizable birds, with breeding males dressed in spectacular violet-blue plumage. These tiny birds live in cooperative family groups where helpers assist the breeding pair in raising young. Males pluck and present yellow flower petals to females as part of courtship.

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Related Comparisons

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