Malurus Cyaneus Research Articles

Water Turnover and Estimated Food-Consumption in 3 Species of Fairy-Wren (Malurus Spp)

Water influx rates and estimated food consumption rates were determined for adults, juveniles and nestlings of three co-existing species of fairy-wrens: superb (Malurus cyaneus), variegated (M. lamberti) and white-winged (M. leucopterus). There were no significant interspecific differences with respect to water influxes of either juveniles or adults, but variation within species was large. Adults and juveniles had higher water influx values and daily food requirements than nestlings. M. cyaneus nestlings had higher mass-specific water influxes and food intakes than both M. leucopterus and M, lamberti, but the latter two did not differ in these parameters. The higher mortality of M. cyaneus and the requirement for drinking water during hot, dry conditions indicate that the inland distribution and abundance of this species are more constrained by climatic conditions than are populations of M. lamberti and M. leucopterus.

Selection of Nest Sites by Three Species of Fairy-wrens (Malurus)

At Booligal, NSW, Superb Fairy-wrens Malurus cyaneus avoided orienting nest entrances towards the west and White-winged M. leucopterus avoided the south and west. Superb Fairy-wrens favoured the northern sector of bushes and White-winged the north-eastern sector to build nests. There was no relationship between nest position and the number of nests that produced fledglings. Superb Fairy-wrens built nests higher in bushes than White-winged and Variegated Fairy-wrens M. larnbeni. Chenopodium spp. bushes were preferred to others. Superb Fairy-wrens built further into a bush than Variegated and White- winged. There was generally no relationship between bush heights, volumes, distance to closest tree, placement of surrounding bushes and siting of nest. There were no interspecific effects on nest placement and successive nests were not affected by positions of earlier nests. White-winged Fairy-wrens placed their nests more centrally in territories than Superb.

Periodicity of Breeding Behaviour of Three Species of Fairy-wrens (Malurus spp.)

Breeding seasons, as determined from nest record cards, for the Superb Malurus cyaneus, Variegated M. lamberti and White-winged M. leucopterus Fairy-wrens were compared within a 30-40°S latitude band and across high to low rainfall zones. All species bred mostly in spring and summer but the Superb Fairy-wrens had the most, and the White-winged Fairy-wrens the least, clearly defined breeding season. Superb Fairy-wrens in high rainfall zones bred in spring and summer but in low rainfall zones their breeding was less seasonal and followed good rains. The Variegated Fairy-wrens bred throughout most of the year in the high rainfall zone although few nests were started in autumn and winter. White-winged Fairy-wrens bred in all months of the year in low rainfall zones but there were few nests in autumn and early winter. With progression towards lower rainfall zones, species may respond opportunistically to good rains falling out of season because rainfall directly affects the amount of available food. White-winged Fairy-wrens may have a lower threshold of response to rainfall than Superb. In addition, breeding stimuli may be hierarchically arranged with increasing photoperiod being most important, followed by rainfall and food.

Nest-Site Characteristics and Reproductive Success in the Superb Fairy-Wren

The influence of a number of nest-site variables on reproductive success in a population of Superb Fairy-wrens was investigated. Blackberry brambles were the most frequently used substrate and nests placed in brambles were more often successful and more productive per nest attempt than nests in other substrates. Successful nests were better concealed, higher above the ground, closer to the edge of the substrate, and more often in brambles than in other substrate types. Nest concealment and substrate type may be important in protecting the nest from predation and brood parasitism. The presence, or number of helpers in a breeding group was not found to have a significant effect on either nest success or nest productivity.

Breeding in Three Species of Fairy-Wrens (Malurus): Do Helpers Really Help?

About 240 h were spent observing behaviour at the nests of co-existing Superb Malurus cyaneus, Variegated M. lamberti and White-winged M. leucopterus Fairy-wrens. Feeding rates increased as nestling number increased but not proportionately. Variegated Fairy-wrens shared feeding about equally between the sexes but in the other two species the females were the predominant feeders except when nestlings were very young. There was a correlation between feeding rate and age of nestlings. Superb Fairy-wren helpers were young of the year and contributed most when nestlings were older whereas with White-winged helpers (all adult males) the pattern was reversed. Adults and helpers 'complemented' each other so that the total number of feeds per hour to the nestlings was more stable than any one individual's contribution. Helpers did not lead to an increased feeding rate but rather a decrease in the female's feeding rate and load carried.

Territory Quality and Group Size in the Superb Fairy-Wren Malurus Cyaneus

(1984). Territory Quality and Group Size in the Superb Fairy-Wren Malurus Cyaneus. Emu - Austral Ornithology: Vol. 84, No. 3, pp. 178-180.

The Reaction of the Superb Blue Wren, Malurus cyemeus, to Models of the Same and Closely Related Species

SummarySuperb Blue Wrens, Malurus cyaneus, were subjected to experimental territory infringement by means of models—prepared skins mounted in a life-like manner. Only the dominant male in the group showed aggression during winter, hut all mature members of the group (which may include more than one male) responded during nesting.When models of Malurus species, other than M. cyaneus. were presented, the initial reaction was usually negative. However, after aggressive experience with a model of its own species. M. cyaneus readily responded to models of these other dose relatives Field observations on mixed populations showed that no fighting occurred between these sympatric species.

"Rodent-Run" Distraction Display By a Passerine, the Superb Blue Wren Malurus Cyaneus (L.)

Distraction-display as performed by the Superb Blue Wren, Malurus cyaneus, takes the form of a true rodent-run and is stimulated by the alarm call of the young; this display is described and illustrated. Both male and female perform, although the colouring of only the latter resembles that of a small mammal. The display in other, related, spe:ies is discussed, and it is postulated that it may be a generic characteristic developed before sexual dimorphism and speciation were manifest.