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- Malurus melanocephalus
Identification
One of the smallest fairy-wrens. The male is black with a bright red back. The female is a very plain light brown, with a brown bill.
Distribution
Australia. The scarlet-backed form can be found in the eastern coastal areas from the middle of Queensland south to central New South Wales. The crimson-backed form are from northern Western Australia through the coastal areas of the Northern Territory to North Queensland.
Taxonomy
- M. m. melanocephalus - scarlet-backed, NE Queensland (E Cape York Peninsula) S along coast to E New South Wales.
- M. m. cruentatus - crimson-backed, N Western Australia (from Cape Keraudren) E, N of 20° S, to N Queensland (S to base of Cape York Peninsula and Charters Towers).
Habitat
Tropical & sub-tropical woodlands, near water.
Behaviour
References
The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds