. splendid fairy wren
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- An Australian Softbill
- Scientific Name: Malurus splendens
- Common Name/s:
SPLENDID FAIRY WREN, SPLENDID WREN.
- Sub Species in country / area of origin:
3.....M. s. splendens, M. s. callainus, M. s. melanotus.
- Origin / Distribution: Nominate
subspecies = Malurus splendens= Lower half of Western Australia.
Subspecies M. s. melanotus = Black backed = North-west Victoria,
western two thirds of New South Wales, and a small portion of
southern Queensland.
- Habitat In Wild: M. s. splendens - heathy woodlands.
M. s. melanotus - mallee. M. s. callainus - mulga.
- Status In Wild: Secure, subject to
preservation of suitable habitat.
- Status In (Australian) Captivity:
Rare
- Age To Sexual Maturity:
?
- Best breeding years (estimate):
12 months to 4th year
- Lifespan (estimate):
Life span about 5 - 6 years.
- Sexing: Monomorphic
/ Dimorphic Adult birds are dimorphic, but
young birds are difficult to sex and may require DNA sexing.
- Colour mutations: None
- Availability: Specialist breeders
- Temperament: Mainly insect
eaters. They are active birds and constantly on the move. Fairy wrens are aggressive,
territorial birds. In the wild they form
family groups. One pair per planted aviary is recommended. Fairy wrens can
generally be kept with finches and Neophema parrots although care
must be taken when cock birds are housed with similar coloured
finches.
- Cost (Victoria) Per Pair: -
Normal colour (Approx) $600
- Description Of Adults:
- Length: Approx. 130 mm (or approx 5 inches)
- Colour ( "normal" colour ): Refer
photo/s above if available.
- Weight: Approx. ? gms (or approx ? ozs)
Aviary Notes:Level Of Knowledge Required:
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced /
Specialist Breeders Only.
Government Regulations &
By-Laws: Refer to "Government Laws" page.
Housing Requirements:
Click on "Softbills"
web page for general details on the housing
of Softbills or read on for specific details for this finch.
Wrens require a well planted aviary if they are to
survive. Growing plants can be supplemented with dry brush such as
tea tree. The dense planting helps reduce the stress levels in
these small birds. One good point of Wrens is the fact that they
do little or no damage the growing plants.
As per "Fairy Wrens" article on the top
portion of the "Softbills" web page.
Diet / Feeding:
Click on "Softbills"
web page for general details on the
nutrition of Softbills or read on for specific details for this
finch.
As per "Fairy Wrens" article on the top
portion of the "Softbills" web page.
Nesting:
A basic overview only.
- Roosting nest: Yes / No
- Nesting months:
Spring to March
- Nesting receptacles:
Wild pairs built the nest high up in a tall tree.
- Nest: The hen builds
the nest. Nest is lined
with soft fine grasses. They may use spider webs, grass
rootlets, fur, wool in the nest construction.
- Who incubates the eggs:
Hen / cock / both share.
Breeding:
Egg Colour.. white or pinkish white with reddish brown
spots. Clutch/s
per year 2 - 3. Eggs per nest 3 - 4. Incubation
approx 13 - 14 days. Fledge approx 2 weeks.
Independent approx. another 2 - 4 weeks.
Refer to "Fairy Wrens" article on the
top portion of the "Softbills" web page.
Artificial incubation, hand rearing or fostering
will not be covered on this web site. It is too complex and
diverse in nature to be attempted here. Refer "Specific
References" as listed below and "General References" listings.
Health Issues:
Refer "Avian Health Issues"
web page for information and references.
- Worming and parasite control and Quarantine
requirements of new birds or sick birds are considered to
require veterinary advice and therefore not covered on this web
site. Refer above option - "Avian Health Issues"
web page.
- Avian medicine is advancing at a rapid pace. Keep
updating your knowledge and skills.
General References:
Refer to references listed on "Book References"
web page.
Specific References:
- Australian Aviculture
- A/A Vol 52 No. 6 Jun 1998 Page 131-138 (Inc photo)
- A/A Vol 20 No 12 Dec 1966 Page 166-171 (Inc colour plates).
- Australian Birdkeeper
- ABK Vol 8 Issue 7. Feb-Mar 1995 Page 338-342
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