FAMILY NAME: Maluridae
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Malurus lamberti
SUBSPECIES: lamberti, assimilis, amabilis, dulcis, rogersi.
SIZE: 13 to 14cm. (5 to 5.5") tip to tail.
LOCATION: Found over almost the entire continent of Australia, each subspecies having its own range. Not found in Cape York, Tasmania or the south west corner of Western Australia.
BREEDING: Breeding season is almost all year as the habitat is so varied between subspecies. Laying from 3 to 4 eggs, the female is the nest builder and incubator, although the remaining members of the family group all help to raise the young.
GENERAL: These birds are very widespread and moderately common. They feed on insects and some seed, generally found lowdown in shrubs and grasses. Breeding males vary in markings between races, but generally have blue head with chestnut/orange shoulder patches and blue tail. Females and non breeding males are brown/grey or blue/grey.
References:
Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net
