PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY-WREN

Photographed at Mornington Sanctuary, Kimberley, Western Australia, May 2015

614         PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY-WREN           Malurus coronatus

Australia          (457)

Also known as Lilac-crowned Wren. 14-15.5 cm. Found in pandanus/paperbark thickets with tall changers and other dense low cover, mostly fringing rivers, creeks, lakes; rarely mangroves. Range: nominate race: n. and e. Kimberley (WA) from Drysdale R. e. to Victoria R. (NT); s. to upper Fitzroy, Hann and Margaret Rs. (WA) Ord R. on upper Argyle (WA). Race macgillivrayi: e. NT, from Roper, Towns, Linmen Bight, McArthur Rs. e. to Gregory-lower Leichardt Rs. (nw Q.); s. to Mallapunyah (NT); Lawn Hill NP-Riversleigh-Kimilaroi (Q). Very local, much of its habitat has been decimated by burning and livestock. Nominate race vulnerable.