Fairy-wren

[wigz]

Going by the dark feathers I think this is a male Red-backed Fairy-wren in eclipse plumage. Other local species have white underparts.

1.



2.

[Isac]

Beautiful photos Alan. I think you're right with the plumage part. The eclipse meaning for our feathered friends I looked up says it's adopted temporarily after the breeding season and characterised by a dull and scruffy appearance - exactly what is seen in your images. TFS.

[wigz]

Thanks Isac. Sorry, I've been looking up so many bird species I'm starting to use the jargon.

The males put on their vivid colours in the breeding season and change back to their drab brown colours after it - presumably to be less noticeable to predators. All three local species of Fairy-wrens do this making it difficult to distinguish the species when they are not in breeding colours.

[Isac]

It's all fascinating stuff Alan and a very interesting topic.

[MJ224]

Yes it does look worn out a bit. Spring is a hard time for birdies. I was expecting a bright coloured bird, but obviously this particular breed in an LBJ...

[wigz]

Thanks Mark, see the comment on Isac's reply, and I've posted the bright-coloured ones below.

[wigz]

Here are all three local species (at least the ones I see) in their breeding colours.

1. Red-backed


2. Superb


3. Variegated

[wigz]

It must work well to outweigh the risk of higher visibility.

[Isac]

All beatiful colours to attract the ladies. If I was a lady wren I'd be so impressed

[David_MC]

Beautiful shots Alan.

[wigz]

Thank you David