Carpentarian Grasswren vs Superb Fairywren

Amytornis dorotheae compared with Malurus cyaneus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Carpentarian Grasswren Superb Fairywren
Scientific Name Amytornis dorotheae Malurus cyaneus
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Maluridae Maluridae
Conservation Status Vulnerable Least Concern
Length — 14.0 cm (5.5 in)
Wingspan 12.2 cm (4.8 in) 16.0 cm (6.3 in)
Weight 23.03333333333333 g (0.81 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 — —

Size Comparison

Body Length
Carpentarian Grasswren —
Superb Fairywren 14.0 cm
Wingspan
Carpentarian Grasswren 12.2 cm
Superb Fairywren 16.0 cm
Weight
Carpentarian Grasswren 23.03333333333333 g
Superb Fairywren 10.0 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Carpentarian Grasswren only

Superb Fairywren only

Superb Fairywren

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

Song & Call Comparison

Carpentarian 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.

Geographic Range & Migration

Carpentarian Grasswren

Superb Fairywren

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

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Carpentarian Grasswren

Least Concern

Superb Fairywren

How to Tell Them Apart

Carpentarian 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

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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