Learn to ID: Fairywrens of Australia

Learn how to identify all of Australia's fairywrens. From Superb to Purple-crowned.
We cover:
- identification tips
- song identification
- fairywren fun facts
- how you can help with their survival (via citizen science)
Bird Songs for Practicing:
Superb: xeno-canto.org/628840
Red-backed: xeno-canto.org/157501
Variegated: xeno-canto.org/676313
Splendid: xeno-canto.org/689114
White-winged: xeno-canto.org/407806
Purple-crowned: xeno-canto.org/126445
Fairywren Project (Citizen Science): fairywrenproject.org/meet-the...
00:00 - Start
01:05 - The Fairywren Family
03:33 - Superb Fairywren
04:08 - Why Fairywren ID Can Be Tricky
06:37 - Song - Superb
07:02 - Red-backed Fairywren
07:30 - Bird Language
08:01 - Song - Red-backed
08:35 - Chestnut-Shoulded Group
10:06 - Song - Purple-backed Fairywren
10:16 - White-winged Fairywren
10:41 - Song - White-winged Fairywren
10:48 - Promiscuity
11:45 - Splendid Fairywren
12:14 - Song - Splendid
12:25 - Family Helpers
12:44 - Purple-crowned Fairywren
13:23 - Song - Purple-crowned
13:31 - Dull Plumage Tips
14:37 - Male Breeding Plumage
15:25 - The Identification Process
16:00 - Fairywren Citizen Science
16:23 - Summary

[@stephenwalczak3166]

I'm always amazed at the Superb Fairy Wrens that live in the small garden at the Gasworks shops at Newstead during the warmer months, and how common they are along the Brisbane River boardwalk from Newstead to New Farm Park. They males aren't shy and happily sit on the railings and sing.

[@stacey7529]

❤

[@williamcarter3949]

Glad this was recommended!! I’m repainting a homestead and try to work what these beautiful birds are hanging around the garden!! Thank you

[@birdwatchingse-qld2253]

Glad it was useful 🙂 Did you figure out which species like your garden? I'm guessing Superb cause they seem the least phased by people compared with the other species.

[@YtGad7000]

We live close to the southeast of Qld, near Tweed Heads and have recently been visited by a male fairy wren and his group of females. It was a lovely sight to see as they are not as common as they used to be. I really hope they come and visit us again, we love them! 🦘🇦🇺😊🥰

[@birdwatchingse-qld2253]

That's great. They love gardens with plenty of cover (shrubs), worms and insects. Hopefully they visit again soon. Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@olafkohne6000]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@birdwatchingse-qld2253]

👍

[@ZennaSmith-fb3fo]

I love that my local fairywrens flew onto my fence as I was watching this 🥰 I am assuming they are the superb fairywrens. Ipswich area 😊

[@birdwatchingse-qld2253]

They must have heard and came in to inspect 🙂 Very likely those would be Superbs, they are the most common garden guests. The other species are more shy.

[@nathanfischer3495]

I love this in-depth style of video for identifying types of birds, especially the ones right here in SE QLD. I'd love to see more! Personally, I always find it difficult to identify types of Egrets and Cormorants. Excited to see what's next!

[@birdwatchingse-qld2253]

Thanks for the feedback Nathan. I agree, Egrets are definitely one of the trickier families to ID. I'm actually planning an identification video on Cormorants, so stay tuned 🙂

[@birdwatchingse-qld2253]

Hi Nathan, just posted a video on Cormorant identification. Thanks for the idea 👍Hope it helps

[@EngiocGames]

Well so far I've managed to photograph the Purple-backed Fairywrens, and Superb Fairywrens. Trying to find white-winged fairywrens at the moment, with plans to travel to QLD (I'm in Adelaide) this year to find some red-backed fairywrens, and I guess while there see if I can spot any lovely frairywrens, in particular, I'd like a female since she stands out from all the other females. Ultimately I'd love to photograph all the fairywrens in Australia.

[@birdwatchingse-qld2253]

That's fantastic. Red-backed are easy to find in Brisbane. You'll probably see one on your travels to find the Lovely. White-winged makes have been difficult for me to get a decent photo (they tend to hide inside dense vegetation). I'd love to see the Purple-crowned one day. Wish you some birding luck on your fairywren photo challenge 🙂

[@russellmcdade5776]

I've seen the red backed fariywrens in the Eagleby wetlands, come during the summer months.