About Malurus amabilis Gould, 1852
Like other fairywrens, the lovely fairywren (Malurus amabilis Gould, 1852) shows strong marked sexual dimorphism. Breeding-season males grow highly visible, bright plumage of brilliant iridescent blue and chestnut that contrasts with black and grey-brown markings. Their brightly coloured crown and ear tufts are prominently displayed during breeding behaviours. A breeding-plumage male has distinct striking azure blue on its ear coverts, crown, and upper back, a black throat and nape, chestnut shoulders, and a blue tail tipped with white. Its wings are black, and its belly is white. Females have smoky blue upperparts and tail, turquoise ear tufts, dark grey wings, and white underparts. Both sexes have black bills, brown eyes, and flesh-grey feet. Immature lovely fairywrens look similar to adult females, but have brown bills.
