Species names in all available languages
| Language | Common name |
|---|---|
| Catalan | malur dorsi-rogenc |
| Dutch | Roodrugelfje |
| English | Red-backed Fairywren |
| English (United States) | Red-backed Fairywren |
| French | Mérion à dos rouge |
| French (France) | Mérion à dos rouge |
| German | Rotrücken-Staffelschwanz |
| Icelandic | Smárindill |
| Japanese | セアカオーストラリアムシクイ |
| Norwegian | rødryggalvesmett |
| Polish | chwostka czerwonogrzbieta |
| Russian | Чёрно-красный малюр |
| Serbian | Crvenoleđi vilinski carić |
| Slovak | zamatovec červenochrbtý |
| Spanish | Maluro Dorsirrojo |
| Spanish (Spain) | Maluro dorsirrojo |
| Swedish | rödryggig blåsmyg |
| Turkish | Kırmızı Sırtlı Peribülbülü |
| Ukrainian | Малюр червоноспинний |
Revision Notes
Daniel T. Baldassarre, Emma I. Greig, and Michael S. Webster revised the account. Peter Pyle contributed to the Plumages, Molts, and Structure page. JoAnn Hackos, Robin K. Murie, and Daphne R. Walmer copy edited the account. Leo Gilman and Nicholas D. Sly generated the tables. Brooke K. Keeney, Peter Pyle, Andrew J. Spencer, and Nicholas D. Sly curated the media.
Malurus melanocephalus (Latham, 1801)
Definitions
- MALURUS
- melanocephala / melanocephalon / melanocephalos / melanocephalum / melanocephalus
The Key to Scientific Names
Legend Overview
Red-backed Fairywren Malurus melanocephalus Scientific name definitions
Version: 2.0 — Published January 12, 2024
Photos from this Account
Adult male
Female
Immature male
Adult male
Female
A pair of Red-backed Fairywrens (subspecies melanocephalus).
Female Red-backed Fairywren.
Possible confusion species: female Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus).
Possible confusion species: female Variegated Fairywren (Malurus lamberti).
Possible confusion species: female Purple-crowned Fairywren (Malurus coronatus).
Juvenile Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
Juveniles show brown upperparts, the back slightly paler, throat white, and underparts buffy whitish with a cream wash to the flanks. Rectrices, upperwing coverts, and flight feathers are weak and dark brown with pale fringes. Body feathering (especially that of the underparts and undertail coverts) is filamentous due to lower barb densities than in later plumages. Note also the brownish-orange bill.
Juvenile Red-backed Fairywrens, commencing Preformative Molt (subspecies melanocephalus).
Juvenile rectrices, upperwing coverts, and flight feathers are weak and dark brown with pale fringes. Note that a complete Preformative Molt appears to have commenced in these individuals, the inner primaries and tertials newly replaced with stronger formative feathers. Note also the brownish-orange bills.
Juvenile Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
The rectrices on this juvenile are growing, probably following accidental loss. Their black coloration indicates a male and suggests that some aspects of formative plumage may be sex-specific and show black and/or orange coloration in formative feathers of males as well. The bill on this juvenile is pinkish.
Possible First Alternate Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
The brownish-orange bill (found in juvenile and first-year males) and worn plumage suggests that this may be a first alternate male showing some colorful feathers which could include both formative (e.g. worn blackish-brown crown feathers) or first alternate (fresher black and orange scapulars). Browner individuals such as this may undergo little first prealternate molting, resulting in worn birds in mostly Formative Plumage but with a few alternate feathers. Another possibility is that this is an older definitive alternate female with a few male-like feathers.
Possible First Alternate Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
Alternate plumage is expected in October-February in the southern portions of the range. This bird being in mostly brown worn plumage, with some colorful feathering, may indicate a first alternate male. The duller, blackish-brown head and breast feathers may be formative and the orange scapulars first alternate, but study is needed on this. The dull black bill during the breeding season may be an additional feature of breeding one-year-old males, vs. orange in non-breeding males and jet-black in older breeding males.
Possible First Alternate (front) and Definitive Altenate (rear) Male Red-backed Fairywrens, undergoing Prebasic Molts (subspecies melanocephalus).
Some males may remain in entirely brown plumage for the first year. In March, prebasic molts may often commence, as appears to be the case for these birds. The bird in front is molting in blackish feathers, possibly indicating the Second Prebasic Molt from an entirely brown First Alternate Plumage; note also the brownish-orange bill indicating immaturity. The rear bird is molting in pale basic underpart feathers which contrast with black alternate feathers; the black bill indicates an older adult male but the pale feathering may indicate incoming Second or Third Basic Plumage. Plumage expression in males is complicated by interactions with variable breeding cycles and hormonally based plumage-deposition cycles.
Possible First Alternate Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
Plumages of first-year and second-year males during the breeding season are complicated by interactions among age, breeding status, and variable breeding cycles responding to rainfall regimes. First alternate males, whether breeders or helpers, can exhibit more female-like plumage or may show variable patterns of colorful feathers. The restricted colorful feathering here may indicate First as opposed to Second Alternate Plumage. Rectrix length in this species is interesting, the formative central feathers possibly being longer than those of later generations in males (Including first alternate here), more similar to those of females.
First or Second Alternate Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
It is possible that the plumage shown by this bird, during the breeding season in the southern portion of the range, could indicate either First or Second Alternate Plumage. The blackish-washed brown wing coverts and rectrices may be formative or first alternate, in either case having resulted from an interaction between molt and hormonally based plumage deposition cycles.
First or Second Alternate Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
Birds such as this, during the peak breeding season in the southern portion of the range, could be in either First or Second Alternate Plumage. Study is needed on these plumages throughout the species range. One tertial, only a few gretare coverts, and perhaps the rectrcies appear to be alternate, suggesting that the First/Second Prealternate Molt may average less extensive than later prealternate molts.
Definitive Basic Female Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
The appearance of females is similar at all ages and plumages, differing markedly from definitive plumages of males. Upperparts are primarily brown; chin, throat, malar region, and upper breast white; flanks washed darker buff to ocher. Feathering uniformly basic, without contrasts between worn basic and fresh alternate feathers. Bill color in females is brownish orange to horn at all ages.
Definitive Basic Female Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
Primaries, secondaries, and rectrices are uniformly basic, stronger than juvenile feathers, and showing narrow or no pale or buff fringing. Feathers are uniformly basic, without contrasts between worn basic and fresh alternate feathers, although it is common for the rectrices to show varying levels of wear perhaps in part due to accidental loss and replacement. The longish central rectrices and orangish bill in this plumage indicates a female.
Definitive Basic Female Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
Rectrices are generally the same color as the upperparts although the central 1-3 pairs can be darker or tinged blackish. The basic central rectrices are reported to be longer than equivalent alternate feathers but study on this in females is needed.
Definitive Basic Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies cruentatus or melanocephalus).
Definitive basic males are reported to be variable, ranging from primarily brown and female-like ("dull males") in some individuals to resembling definitive alternate males in others; however, examination of Macaulay Library images for the non-breeding season (May-August, in the southern portion of the range) indicates that most or all males are in full colorful ("bright, or "breeding") feathering at this time of year, resembling what has been described as definitive alternate plumage for this species, Here, the fresh colorful body feathering (including some buff fringes to black feathers) and flight feathers, as well as the lack of strong contrasts among wing coverts, tertials. and rectrices, separates this from Definitive Alternate Plumage in males.
Definitive Basic Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
By September, definitive basic males can become more worn. But note that the greater coverts are blackish (not jet-black as in Definitive Alternate Plumage) and that the tertials and inner secondaries are also blackish, not jet-black as alternate feathers. The contrast of these with browner outer secondaries and primaries appears gradual rather than abrupt, indicating that the color change is due to an interaction between molt and hormonal plumage-deposition cycles, rather than contrasts between basic and alternate feather generations..
Probable Formative or Second Basic Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies cruentatus).
Definitive Basic Plumage in males is reported to be variable, ranging from primarily brown and female-like ("dull males") in some individuals to resembling definitive alternate males in others; however, examination of Macaulay Library images indicates that those with brown or mixed brown and colorful feathering may be restricted to first-cycle or possibly second-cycle males. Here the blackish remiges and rectrices suggest basic feathering but the mixed brown-and-colorful feathering and blackish bill suggest a first-cycle or possibly second-cycle male. Northern populations may also show year-round molting and this bird may be in Formative, First Alternate, or Second Alternate Plumage as well. The short tail suggests a male rather than an older adult female with male-like feathers.
Definitive Alternate Female (front) and Male (back) Red-backed Fairywrens (subspecies cruentatus).
Males and females differ markedly in Definitive Alternate and Definitive Basic Plumages. Definitive alternate females are similar in coloration to definitive basic females but overall more worn, with fresher alternate wing coverts, tertials, and central rectrices present. Here the greater coverts, three tertials, and the central rectrices appear to be newer and alternate whereas much of the rest of the plumage may be basic. Note also the striking difference in bill color among breeding adults.
Definitive Alternate Female Red-backed Fairywrens (subspecies melanocephalus).
This female appears to have recently molted into Definitive Alternate Plumage; note the fresher central rectrices and greater coverts, contrasting with more worn basic feathering elsewhere. Definitive alternate rectrcies are reported to be shorter than basic rectrices in females, extending well beyond the outer rectrices, and this may be the case here. The bill color in this female is brownish tinged orange, perhaps suggesting an older bird.
Apparent Definitive Alternate Female Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
Older definitive alternate (and/or definitive basic?) females may occasionally exhibit a few, male-like black and/or orange-red feathers, presumably as a result of decreased estrogen levels increasing the effects of testosterone on plumage expression. The long blackish tail and mostly brown, basic female-like plumage with a few red scapulars suggest that this is an older breeding female.
Definitive Alternate Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
In males, Definitive Alternate Plumage is similar to Definitive Basic Plumage but is overall more worn, with fresher alternate wing coverts, some to all rectrices, and tertials present. The black alternate feathers contrast abruptly with worn basic feathers, unlike for males in Definitive Basic Plumage. Here, the greater coverts, tertials, and some central (but not all) rectrices are contrastlngly jet black indicating alternate feathers. It is unknown what other feathers are replaced during the prealternate molt, potentially few body feathers. Note the blackish basic inner secondaries (s6-s5 and outward), forming a cline.
Definitive Alternate Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
Here the greater coverts (except for the outermost one) are fresh and jet-black, indicating alternate feathers. Two tertials have been replaced and contrast with the basic s7 and remaining remiges. The rectrices appear to be primarily alternate, with 1-2 brown-edged, basic feathers also present. Both basic and alternate rectrices appear to be relatively short, shorter than is found in females of all ages.
Definitive Alternate Male Red-backed Fairywren (subspecies melanocephalus).
This individual appears to have undergone a more limited Definitive Prealternat Molt, with only two tertials and not all greater coverts replaced. It is hard to tell if the rctrices are basic or alternate but they may be primarily basic given the more limited prealternate replacement elsewhere.
Eythristic individual.
Eythristic individual.
Eythristic individual.
Male Red-backed Fairywren undergoing First or Second Prealternate Molt (subspecies melanocephalus).
Prealternate Molts take place primarily in August-November in southern populations. Here black alternate feathering is growing in. The extensively brown unmolted body feathering suggests that it is formative or second basic, and that this is the First or Second Prealternate Molt. The alternate central rectrices are growing and likely will be shorter than the unmolted brown, formative or second basic rectrices.
Female Red-backed Fairywren undergoing Prealternate Molt (subspecies melanocephalus).
Females appear to undergo similar prealternate molts to males, replacin some to all greater coverts, tertials, and central rectrices but an unknown number of body feathers. Here, tertials, greater coverts, and at least one central rectix appear to be molting. Remaining body feathers appear worn and may not be replaced during prealternate molts in this species.
Male Red-backed Fairywren undergoing Prealternate Molt (subspecies melanocephalus).
This individual is replacing brown formative or basic feathers (including middle rectrices) with black alternate feathers. The brown unmolted feathers may indicate that this is the First or Second Prealternate Molt but some birds in Definitve Basic Plumage are also reported to show brown feathering, in which case this may be a later, Definitive Prealternate Molt.
Male Red-backed Fairywren undergoing Second (probably) Prebasic Molt (subspecies cruentatus).
Prebasic Molts occur primarily in March-June in southern populations and commence with inner primaries and tertials; here, p1-p5 and s7-s9 are new or dropped. Sequence of body-feather replacement appears to be flank feathers, followed by those of the scapulars, head, and back, as appears to be the case here. The brown feathers are could be formative, being replaced with colorful second basic feathers resulting in "bright" basic plumage as appears to be the case with this species.
Female Red-backed Fairywren commencing Prebasic Molt (subspecies melanocephalus).
Prebasic Molt can commence as early as February following breeding, as appears to be the case with this worn female. Note that tertials, inner primaries, and rectrices are being replaced to commence a complete molt. Some back feathers also appear to be nerwer (basic) while some greater coverts and the inner tertial appear to be be alternate.
Male Red-backed Fairywren completing Definitive Prebasic Molt (subspecies melanocephalus).
Molt has reached the outer primaries and middle secondaries (among s5-s6), the last flight feathers replaced during prebasic molts. Older black body feathers (basic or alternate) are being replaced by newer basic body feathers, which indicates a Definitive Prebasic Molt that will result in black and orange, "bright" Definitive Basic Plumage.
Adult Male (left) and Female (right) Red-backed Fairywrens.
In adult males the bill and orbital wring are black, differing markedly from the brownish-pink bill and orbital ring of females, in which the maxilla is darker than the mandible. The iris is dark brown to blackish in all age/sex groups. The legs and feet are generally pinkish (as here) but can vary to salmon or brownish.
First-year male (left) and possible first-year female (right) Red-backed Fairywrens (subspecies melanocephalus).
Brownish-plumaged birds with blackish bills, as in the bird on the left indicate males, perhaps those breeding in their first year. In first-year and second-year males, bill color can vary from pink to orangish to blackish, dependent on breeding status. The bird on the right may be a female mate, in which case the brighter orange bill may indicate a first-year bird as well.
Male (subspecies cruentatus).
Male (subspecies cruentatus).
Female (subspecies cruentatus).
Adult male in-hand (subspecies cruentatus).
Male (subspecies melanocephalus).
Male (subspecies melanocephalus).
Male and presumed female (subspecies melanocephalus).
Example of habitat: Banana, Queensland, Australia
Example of habitat: Kyogle, New South Wales, Australia.
Example of habitat: Ballina, New South Wales, Australia.
Example of habitat: Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia.
Male with caterpillar.
Female with cricket.
Male with spider.
Female with spider.
Male singing from bush.
Pair allopreening.
Male bathing in puddle.
Possible pair allopreening.
Male performing apparent "puff-back display."
Male performing apparent "puff-back display."
Males performing apparent "puff-back display" with female.
Male performing apparent "petal display."
During the "petal display," a male will approach a female with a (usually) red flower petal or other object.
Male performing apparent "petal display."
Group of Red-backed Fairywrens.
Group of Red-backed Fairywren.
Group of Red-backed Fairywren.
Female carrying nesting materials.
Female carrying nesting materials.
Female carrying nesting materials.
Female carrying nesting materials.
Female on nest.
The nest is composed of fibrous materials such as grasses, thin strips of bark, and rootlets, bound together with spider's web. The nest lining includes rootlets, fine grasses, and plant down, and rarely feathers or fur.
Two chicks.
Two juveniles.
Female feeding young.
Red-backed Fairywren feeding a young Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis variolosus).
Macaulay Library Photos for Red-backed Fairywren
Top-rated photos submitted to the Macaulay Library via eBird. Note: Our content editors have not confirmed the species identification for these photos.
