The Splendid FairyUJren splendens

by Mark Cairns & Ian Smith, Royal Zoological Gardens, Melbourne,

Preamble foliage and scrub layers. The fairy­ evolutionary advantage because the The keeping of softbills in avicul­ belong to the Family Malundae energy used to produce complex ture, in particular fairywrens, is becom­ which is classified to form part of the vocalizations to partition hold and ing more popular as people realize largest, and arguably the most success­ defend living space, i' less than the that they are not a species ful, group of collectively known energy used in physical exertion to reserved only for the most experi­ as (commonly called perch­ perform confrontational hehaviors enced aviculturists to house and breed. ing birds or ). The name (which run the risk of injury) More importantly, it is a realization that '' is given to passerines employed hy other groups of hirds. the keeping of softbills is the simple because they have a syrinx (similar to The Maluridae is n1ade up of five gen­ application of different management the larynx in humans). This is believed era. Two of these are endemic to New techniques, feeding requirements, and to have provided .s with an Guinea (Sipodotus and Clytomyias), level of commitment from that of the more "traditional" bird species such as parrots and doves. Many of us at one time or another have probably seen a species of fairy­ in. the wild darting about whilst twittering loudly. As aviculturists many of us have probably thought to our­ selves how stunning these birds would look in the backyard aviary. One species that could be considered as a candidate for such an undertaking is the which is a fas­ cinating and stunning bird in a well planted aviary.

Other Common Names Black-backed Fairywren, Turquoise Fairywren, . Australian , Banded Blue Wren, Banded Fairywren, Mormon Wren, White's Blue Wren.

Introduction The word "wren' comes from the European species of bird with the same nam'e, whereas in Australia it has been used to describe a number of small active bird species that dart The ~plendid Fair.yuJren Malurus splendens. around on the ground and in thick

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the afa WATCHBIRD 21 two are endemic to Australia (being adopt the coloration of the species as it is often found searching Amytornis - , and Stipiturus adult female but lack blue in the tail. amongst higher levels of tree foliage - -wrens), and one is shared by and shrubs. Australia and ew Guinea (Malurus ­ Distribution Fairywrens). The Splendid Fairywren is a wide­ Turquoise Fairywren M. s. callai­ The Splendid Fairywren Malurus spread species occurring throughout nus. This race is found through the cen­ splendens was described in 1830 and central eastern, central, and far tral Australian part of the distribution belongs to a group commonly called . Throughout this where it generally tends to occupy a "bi-colored wrens." The term "bi-col­ range they have been described as greater proportion ofarid habitats types ored" refers to the change in plumage replacing the closely related Superb when compared to those of M. s splen­ colour by mature males. During the Fairywren M. cyaneus which occurs dens. This race differs by having a dis­ breeding season males attain a "nup­ through eastern and 'outh eastern tinct bright turquoise blue on the crown tial" plumage which is brightly col­ Australia. It is generally absent from and back, black rump, sky blue under­ ored, and in the non-breeding season the northern tropical regions and belly, and sometimes black scapular molt to a dull "eclipse" plumage. The . The throat retains the deep male is brightly colored throughout Distribution of the violet blue coloration of Ms. splendens. the breeding season so he can display Here its habitat is typified by dense Splendid Fairy-wren mulga, mallee and salt bush scrub rang­ to a prospective mate and to assert Ma/urus sp/endens himself as the dominant male to the ing from through to the rest of the social group. central Torthern TerritoI)'. This sub­ The forming ofsocial groups/family species hybridizes/introgresses with M. parties with siblings is a common s. splendens in a broad zone north of behavioral characteristic of the fail)'­ the ullarbor Plain. wrens. It is also interesting to note that the erect tails typically seen in Black-backed Fairywren M. s. Fairywrens is thought to playa part in melanotus. This subspecies is in most maintaining stability within the social respects similar to M. s. cal/ainus but group by acting as a signalling device. differs by having a uniform bright Often the dominant will have cobalt blue base colour with a distinct­ slightly longer tail feathers. With the ly narrower black breast band. This loss of this display/signalling system • M. s. splendens race is found in mallee and porcupine (made up by the combination of M. s. callainus grass habitats from northern Victoria plumage colour and erect tail) during M. s. melanotus through to south/central Queensland the molt, it is not uncommon for all Although they will freely interbreed, members of a social group to molt Hybridisation/introgression zone velY few field records report of any simultaneously. After the breeding sea­ introgression between this race and M. son is over the males molt into a dull extends just north of the Tropic of s callainus. This is likely to be caused brown plumage (similar to female), Capricorn in central east and central by the Eyrean barrier (~ natural "wall") with the tail and wings being washed Australia. This species appears to be which follows the site ofthe inland sea with blue. more adapted to semi-arid and/or arid bordered in the east by the Flinders The male can be distinguished by environments. Three distinct races of Ranges in South Australia. having a black bill and dusky grey col­ M. splendens are currently recognized The delightful colour photo by oration around the eye. This dull where distinction between races is Warwick Remington accompanying plumage allows him to retire safely based on differences in adult male this article depicts an adult male in back to a normal mode of existence nuptial : "nuptial" plumage. Although the defin­ where he is able to camouflage himself itive provenance of this particular ani­ with his surroundings. It has been Splendid Fairywren M. s. splen­ mal is unknown, it possesses the char­ known for elderly males to molt direct­ dens. This was the first of the sub­ acters that are typical for the subspecies ly into a new nuptial plumage, bypass­ species to be described by ornitholo­ melanotus of the Splendid Fairywren. ing the eclipse plumage phase alto­ gists and is therefore considered to be All tl1ree races are essentially the same gether. Females remain unchanged in the nominate race. The male has a uni­ size around l4cm in length (5.60 inch­ plumage throughout the year and are form deep violet blue base colour on es). Female variation between the races generally brown with (unlike the the crown, back, throat, chest and is negligible although plumage col­ female Fairywren Malurus cyaneus), a underbelly and is on average slightly oration tends to pale in more arid slight blue wash through their tail and larger than the other races. This.sub­ regions which, like many other bird wing feathers. Females have a russet species tends to favor forest margins species, is in concordance with brown coloration around the eye and and dl)' inland habitats in dense foliage Gloger's Rule. have a light brown bill. Juvenile males in Western Australia. Its feeding behav­ The Splendid Fairywren is relatively and females are difficult to sex and ior is atypical of many other fairywren new to aviculture. This may have to

22 September/October 1999 some extent contributed to the mis­ There are a number of plant checks for developing holes and conception that Fairywrens (and soft­ species that can be recommended and repairs. The aviary should also be rat bills in general) are difficult to house readily available at nurseries that pro­ and mouse-proofed as fairywrens are and breed. In Victoria at the end of vide the variety and "ecotone" suitable particularly vulnerable to these pests March 1996 there were only 33 for the Splendid Fairywren. Tussock because the birds nest and roost clos­ licensed specimens in captivity (no grasses such as Poa labillidieri that er to the ground than most other bird demarcation ofsubspecies). At the end mimic porcupine grass; mat-rushes, species. of 1997 the number of individuals in Lomandra sp.; Grevtllea sp.; heath zoological institutions was also very banksia Banksia encifolia; shrub tea­ Stocking the Aviary low with a total offour M. s. melanotus trees, Leptospermum sp.; bottlebrushes Only one pair of fairywrens should (black-backed Fairywren) at Taronga and heath-myrtles, Callistemon and be housed in an aviary as breeding Zoo and 13 (no subspecies given) at Melaleuca sp.; needlewoods, pairs are territorial and will not tolerate Perth Zoo. sp.; Phyllodinous leafed wattles, Aca­ the company of any other conspecifics It would appear that it will be some cia sp.; common correa Correa other than their own offspring. Unlike time before this species will be at suf­ reflexa; slender hop-bush Dodonea the , the Splendid ficient numbers to be readily available viscosa, heaths and beard-heaths, Fairywren parents are known to toler­ to the general aviculturist. It is also Monotoca, Epacris, and Leucopogon ate both the male and female young in unfortunate that because of their rarity sp. (although these can be difficult to the family social group. in captivity the price tag is somewhat grow and maintain); daisy-bushes, Although the young can be left in expensive which may deter many avi­ Olearia sp.; emubushes, Eremophila the aviary for successive broods, they culturists from keeping them. The sp.; and saltbushes and bluebushes, should be removed from smaller sized price of birds equates constantly with Atriplexand Maireana species. This is aviaries. An aviary can become to con­ availability These birds cannot be rec­ only a short list of suitable plants and gested (particularly if it houses a mixed ommended for beginners and should many other plant species could be collection) and the parents will happi­ only be undertaken by reasonably used. ly continue to multiple clutch in the experienced aviculturists. The captive The plant species provided here absence oftheir previous young when husbandry of this species is uncompli­ have been chosen on the basis oftheir adequate food is provided. cated, and is basically very similar to relatively rigid bush or shrub-like habit For larger aviaries it is recommend­ that of the Superb Fairywren. that essentially provide both shelter ed to leave the young in with the par­ and a solid framework for the birds to ents because it provides behavioral Aviary Design construct a nest in. They have also stimuli and watching the family group Fairywrens in general have rounded been chosen for the quantity of flow­ move around through the shrubs and wings which make them well adapted ers that can be produced which will bushes together makes excellent view­ for maneuvering amongst thick shrubs attract a larger number of . The ing. The young can only be left with and foliage in search of insects. The greater variety of flowering plants that the parents in the aviary up until the disadvantage ofthis is that they are not is provided will attract a greater num­ start of the following spring when the particularly strong flyers over large ber and variety ofinsects. Exotic plants next breeding season will start. spaces and long distances. Unlike the can be used but they may not attract Fairywrens can be aggressive Superb Fairywren, the Splendid the same number of insects to the towards many finch species but can be Fairywren is much shyer and is very aviary as would native plant species. housed with small parrots such as reluctant to leave the safe haven of Within the aviary there should be a Neophema species and small ground dense cover and fly into open spaces. covered in section (a minimum of a birds such as quail. These, with possi­ An adequately sized aviary for this quarter of the aviary) where branches bly the addition of ground-dwelling species could measure 4m x 3m x 2m of brush and trees such as Melaleuca reptiles such as blue-tongue lizards, (approx. 13 x 10 x 6 feet]. The dimen­ species can be placed. Here the birds can make an interesting "mixed sions ofthis is not designed to provide can seek out shelter from inclement species" aviary. It is important to a length of flight as you would for a weather and utilize cover that provides remember that an adequate heat parrot species but, more importantly, a sense of security for roosting and source (and UV light source if indoors) to provide enough room to plant out nesting. and sufficient shelter such as logs the enclosure with a large variety of Construction of an aviary need not should be provided for most reptile low growing shrubs and bushes that be "robust" but, more importantly, "air species. simulate their natural habitat. This tight" as fairywrens are excellent A word of warning: although they dense shrub layer and foliage will pro­ escape artists. Both nylon netting and are not strong flyers, fairywrens are vide a habitat that will ensure the psy­ small gauge weldmesh wire can be masters of maneuverability (much chological well being of the birds and used. The disadvantage of netting more so than finches), and, being provide a source of environmental (although cheaper and desirable if the small and fragile, a measure of enrichment in that it will stimulate aviary also houses quail species) is that lighthandiness should be exercised behaviors of natural hunting and it is easily damaged by falling branch­ when attempting to net individuals. searching for insects. es and sticks and requires regular Even the most skilled and experienced

the afa WATCHBIRD 23 aviculturist may knock and a range of nesting materials placed Summary enough to stun and even kill them. either on the ground or in bushes so The Splendid Fairywren, and fairy­ that the birds are ahle to choose what wrens in general, do not necessarily Feeding they want to use. have to be difficult aviary tenants, hut The splendid Fairywren is essential­ The hreeding season for the Splen­ only require a little more intensive ly an insectivore in that they feed upon did Fairywren occurs from Septemher management than most other com­ low-flying insects and insects gleaned to January (in the Southern Hemi­ monly kept bird species. The miscon­ from shrub foliage, dense under­ sphere] and usually 3-4 white eggs ception developed by many people growth and leaf litter. Their dependen­ with reddish brown spots are laid. The that high prices reflect the difficulty in cy upon prey is exemplified by eggs are incubated by the female for housing and breeding should be dis­ the well developed rictal hristles (stiff between 13-16 days and the chicks are pelled and it should be recognized that hair-like structures at either side of the naked when they hatch. The young prices only reflect the current private mouth) that aid the capture of small are altricial and are thus totally depen­ market trends and availability of a aerial . dent upon their parents for the first species. Captive birds, if housed in a well three weeks. It should also be remembered that planted aviary, can find livefood in The nesting chamber is kept as aviculturists we understand that all their enclosure as well as consuming immaculate with fecal sacks from the birds species in captivity require the livefood supplied on a shelf or stand. young removed and discarded some same amount of "moral" responsibility Insect food can consist of a mixture of distance from the nest. The young will and commitment and adequate live mealworms, maggots, termites, fledge after about 12-14 days and are research prior to purchase. We urge vinegar flies, baby crickets and dead barely able to fly when they leave the that aviculturists don't hecome J'lies - most types are now commer­ nest. The young will sit in a hush often deterred hy high prices, and that they cially available. Fairywrens will take together, and in close proximity to the take up the challenge to acquire and insectivore powder mixes and a num­ nest, whilst being continually fed by hreed this species for themselves, as ber of softhill recipes. It is recom­ the parents for a week or two until this will provide greater opportunity mended that these are fed daily to they are strong enough to become for others in the future. ensure that the hirds obtain their full independent. In many cases, the We can certainly recommend to dietary requirements while being sup­ young from previous broods will help those who have experience in avicul­ plemented with live insects. There are the parents to raise any young chicks ture that you should consider creating a number of excellent recipes for soft­ of successive hroods. This assists a a planted, multi-species Fairywren bill/insectivore mixes on pages 231­ hreeding pair to raise a number of aviary, as it will surely expand your 233 of Mark Shephard's hook clutches in a hreeding season. experience and knowledge, and make Aviculture in Australia (chapter 9). Although this species has adapted for a perfect addition to your collection. A basic softbill mix can consist of well to the captive environment where mashed egg, grated cheese, crumhled some birds have become tolerant to Bibliography and Recommended Reading madeira or orange cake mixed with fly the invasion of privacy by their own­ Baskerville, W. 1987. Splendid Fairywren. pupae. It is important that the birds ers, many other captive specimens Western Australian AlJicultural have adequate food available at all have remained very shy. For this rea­ Magazine, 17-19. B~lxter, E. 1980. Wrens in Captivity. Bird times as these 'birds have high meta­ son it is unwise to disturb birds that are Keeping in Australia, 95-96. bolic rates and can hecome easily thought to be undertaking breeding Blakers M. Davies, SJJF, & Reilly, PN. 1984. The stressed in a short period of time with­ activity. The parents are very protec­ Atlas of Australian Birds. RAOU & Melbourne University Press, out food. tive of their territory and nest site and Melbourne. become vigorous defenders of their De Graaff, T. 1997. Australian Doves, Waterfowl, Quail and Others ­ Breeding in Captivity young in the nest. This is typified by Population Trends in Victoria. Once a breeding pair have estab­ agitated hehavior and strong vocal Australian AlJiculture. 254-259. lished a territory, breeding duties are warning calls. This behavior can some­ Hale, S. 1995. Superb Fairywrens. Australian AlJiculture 49(6); 125-127. performed by the female who is times he used as an indication for the Hutton, R 1985. Splendid Fairywrens. Bird responsible for construction ofthe nest presence of young in the nest without Keeping in Australia, 5-7. and brooding the young. The nest disturbing the nest site. ISIS. Abstract Report. December 31 (997). Shephard, M. 1989. AlJiculture in Australia. construction consists ofa loosely hang­ Another behavior typical of fairy­ Black Cockatoo Press, Prahran. ing bag suspended in low dense vege­ wrens is the "rodent run" which is por­ Schodde, R & Tidemann, sc. 1990. Reader~' tation where grasses and twigs are trayed by an animal hopping along the Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds. Readers Digest Services, Surry woven together with the nesting ground with its head straight forward Hills. chamber and entrance hollow lined and tail out horizontal. This is thought Schodde, R. 1980. The Fairywrens. A Monograph with soft leaves and downy feathers. In to be a "decoy" mechanism which of the Maluridae. Lansdowne Editions, Melbourne. uti1iz~ captivity the birds will other occurs in the presence ofa threat to the Wurst, I. 1982. Superb Fairywren. Bird Keeping materials provided such as dry grass, nest, or young, where a parent bird or in Australia, 131-134. coconut fibre, human hair, and horse helper will perform the rodent run in an FIVI/1 Australian Aviculture,julle ]998 revised alld edited hair. It is always important to provide attempt to attract the attention to itself. forAFA Watchbird ~

24 September/October 1999