July 22nd, 2011

Sydney fairy-wren identification

IS THERE anyone who doesn’t adore fairy-wrens? The stunning breeding plumage of the males during the warmer months brings plenty of colour into every nature outing and the hives of activity which are the extended family groups of these birds brings plenty of life to the bush and, for the lucky few, their urban gardens. Adding to their charisma is the charm of those perky cocked tails as these tiny gems of the Aussie bush bounce around the understorey.

For many in the Sydney region, however, there is a dark side to these colourful little birds, a source of deep and enduring frustration that leaves bird watchers with a sense of worthlessness in their trade and embarrassed downward glances as they describe circles in the dust of trails with their feet every time they encounter these birds . . . for the uninitiated, the females are simply very difficult to identify, as are the males when not in breeding plumage. more »