Photographs and observations suggest Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus x Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti hybridisation

Jordan Boersma, Martin Ross

We observed and photographed an unusual looking male Fairy-wren at Lake Eden, just north of Brisbane, Queensland. The plumage of this individual displays a blend of Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus and Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti characteristics, supporting the notion of a novel hybridisation event between these two species. We have observed this likely hybrid on multiple occasions in close association with two individuals displaying female or immature Superb Fairy-wren plumage, pointing to the possibility of backcrossed offspring at this location now or in the near future.