The Superb Fairywren is at the tail end of its breeding season and can be seen and heard right throughout southern Queensland.
"The males are quite colourful," says Pat McConnell from the Toowoomba Bird Observers. "They have blue and black plumage. The females are a bit more grey with red around the face."
As pretty as it is, this small Australian native has one infamous claim to fame.
"They mate for life. But it has been said the female Fairywren is one of the most unfaithful birds in the world!" McConnell laughs.
A DNA test of a family of four chicks discovered four different fathers, "none of which were the male that she was hanging around with!"
Regardless, the male does a lot to help raise the chicks in its group. "He'll be none the wiser," McConnell says.
"It's very common in people's backyards and into the scrub areas around Toowoomba."
The birds will stay with their parents for at least three months, after which the females will disperse to set up territories elsewhere.
"Sometimes the young males will stay and help raise the next brood of chicks."
A small bird, the Fairywren only weighs around ten grams. "Lighter than a 20 cent piece!" McConnell says. But while it might be hard to see, it's easy to hear.
"They call mainly at dawn and dusk to let other Superb Fairywrens know this is their territory. But they have a contact 'squeaking' call they make throughout the day, so they don't lose touch with other members of their group," Pat McConnell says.
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