Maluridae

views updated May 21 2018

Maluridae (Australian wren; class Aves, order Passeriformes) A family of small, long-tailed birds; Malurus (fairy wrens) have bright blue males, other genera are mainly brown. Stipiturus (emu wrens) have only six tail feathers. They are found in grass and scrub, feed on insects, and build a domed nest in grass. There are five or six genera, with 23–30 species, found in Australia and New Guinea. See also EPHTHIANURIDAE.

Australian wrens

views updated May 18 2018

Australian wrens See MALURIDAE.