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Photo by tcollins
Location: Darwin, Australia.

Malurus melanocephalus

[edit] Identification

One of the smallest fairy-wren. The male is black with a bright red back. The female is a very plain light brown, with a brown bill.

[edit] Distribution

Australia. The scarlet-backed form can be found in the eastern coastal areas from the middle of Queensland south to central New South Wales. The crimson-backed form are from northern Western Australia through the coastal areas of the Northern Territory to North Queensland.

Photo by tcollins

[edit] Taxonomy

There are two forms, scarlet-backed (race melanocephalus) and crimson-backed (race cruentatus).

[edit] Habitat

Tropical & sub-tropical woodlands, near water.

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] References

The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds

[edit] External Links