I took this photo at Mount Annan Botanical Gardens. I am not sure what type of wren it is. I know the tail was slightly blue.
Thanks Donna
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It's a male Superb Fairy Wren, in eclipse. During the non breeding season the male birds change into that colour, only the beak and tail stay blue. Soon, when the breeding season starts, the breeding males will change back into the bright black and blue colours.
M-L
Sorry Donna
, this is an excellent photo
M-L
Thanks very much ML. Those wrens are a very interesting lot, we have had a family living in our backyard but I had only ever noticed the male in full breeding plumage. Which is why this photo confused me.
Donna
I have posted all the different stages of the male changing into breeding plumage, breeding plumage and out of breeding plumage, last season. At the in between stage they look the same. I will , no doubt, take lots of photos of the wrens in my garden as things unfold.
M-L
Hi Araminta,
What's your theory on male Blue Wrens who stay blue all year around? I've always got one or two 'blue' wrens in the garden - whether they are one and the same l don't know.
We've already had 116.5mm of rain this month - the last two days all warm rain and the snow has gone. And with that, all the wattles are bursting into flower. Perhaps some of the male Wrens just can't work out the seasons.
Hope you are well - l still read the posts and find your photo's inspiring.
I haven't had had any blue ones all year. The theory is that males 4 years (+) stay blue. Although I think, they change into eclipse at different times, some stay blue longer and some return blue earlier. That might mean there are some around ?
We had this discussion here before, Shorty in Canberra had some late, and he has some early now, as we can see in his photos.
That's why I mentioned the cats around my place, they might eat the male wrens before they turn 4. I honestly have never seen one in breeding colours all year round, and trust me, I have too many to count on my property.
It's so good to hear from you
I'm well , thanks for asking. I thought you might still drop in from time to time. Thanks for the lovely compliment.
I hope you are well too. Miss you
M-L
One male in breeding plumage with two females here (s.e. slopes of Mt Lofty Ranges SA) today.