Short-tailed Grasswren vs Superb Fairywren
Amytornis merrotsyi compared with Malurus cyaneus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Short-tailed Grasswren | Superb Fairywren |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Amytornis merrotsyi | Malurus cyaneus |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Maluridae | Maluridae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | 14.0 cm (5.5 in) |
| Wingspan | 12.1 cm (4.8 in) | 16.0 cm (6.3 in) |
| Weight | 22.5 g (0.79 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 | -- | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
None
Short-tailed Grasswren only
Superb Fairywren
Dense undergrowth in eucalyptus woodland, gardens, parks, and heath throughout southeastern Australia.
Song & Call Comparison
Short-tailed Grasswren
Superb Fairywren
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
Short-tailed Grasswren
Superb Fairywren
Southeastern Australia from Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, to South Australia and Tasmania.
Conservation Status
Short-tailed Grasswren
Superb Fairywren
How to Tell Them Apart
Short-tailed Grasswren
Superb Fairywren
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.
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.