Fairy-wrens and Grasswrens : Maluridae (Bird Families of the World, number 4)
by Ian Rowley, Eleanor M. Russell
Category: Nature

The brilliantly coloured Fairy-wrens and enigmatic Grasswrens form a group of birds (Family Maluridae) that occur only in Australia and New Guinea. They are small -- the largest weigh no more than 40 grams, while the smallest emu-wrens are only 5 -6 grams -- and feed mainly on the ground or in low vegetation. Most males are brightly coloured, while the female plumage is duller. They have a fascinating social organization, with resident social groups consisting of long-lasting social pairs and their progeny, retained long after independence. All members of the group help to raise the young. Social pairing, however, does not preclude promiscuity, and most males seek matings outside the group. Although their cocked tails and general appearance reminded early Australian settlers of wrens back home, and the English name has persisted, Fairy-wrens and Grasswrens are not closely related to wrens (Troglodytidae). In the first eight chapters, the authors look at the family as a whole, describing their taxonomy, evolution, biology, behaviour, and conservation. These chapters are include black-and-white drawings showing typical behaviour, as well summary graphs and tables. Then follow the twenty-five species accounts, each one giving comprehensive information on the bird in its natural state. Distribution maps and sonograms are included. All species are fully illustrated in colour, in superb plates by Peter Marsack especially commissioned for this volume.