From Opus

Photo by rebelxt.
Photo taken: Adelaide, South Australia.

Malurus cyaneus

[edit] Identification

14cm. Breeding male has a striking bright blue forehead, ear coverts, mantle and tail with a black mask and black or dark blue throat. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles are predominantly grey-brown in colour;

[edit] Distribution

South eastern Australia.

[edit] Taxonomy

Two subspecies are recognised: the larger and darker Tasmanian form cyaneus and the smaller and paler mainland form cyanochlamys.

[edit] Habitat

Grasslands with scattered shrubs, moderately thick forest, woodland, heaths, and domestic gardens.

Photo by Birdeye.
Photo taken: Nangawooka Flora Reserve, Victor Harbor, South Australia.

[edit] Behaviour

The diet includes seeds and insects.

The nest is a round or domed structure made of loosely woven grasses and spider webs, with an entrance in one side generally close to the ground. 3-4 matte white eggs with reddish-brown splotches and spots, are laid and are are incubated for 14 days, after which they hatch within 24 hours.

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on the ABID