Identification: The male has a black head, brown body and wings and red upper back. The female has a brown head, back and tail and buff under parts.

Call/Song: Makes a soft, prolonged reeling song.

Distribution is the northern parts of Australia and the east coast to about Sydney.

Habitat:Mainly inhabits grasslands.

Feeding: 

Breeding/Nesting:  Mainly inhabits grasslands where it builds its nests. These are a ball of grass and are usually built in a clump of grass.

Movement: Usually seen in small family groups feeding close to the ground.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Male Red-backed wren at nest Photo:  Queensland DEH Female Red-backed wren Photo:  Queensland DEH

Other Common Names: Red-backed fairy-wren, black-headed wren, orange- backed wren.

Status:

Distribution: Can be seen in any low shrubby area in the eucalypt forest at lower altitudes, but best seen on the grasslands approaching the plateau. Kerry Valley (on the western side of the plateau) is a good spot to site this bird.

Abundance: Fairly common throughout the year.

Queensland Museum (1995) Wildlife of Greater Brisbane, Queensland Museum, Brisbane.

Reader's Digest Services (1979) Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds, Surry Hills, NSW.

Nielsen, L (1991) Birds of Lamington National Park and Envrions, Beudesert Times, Queensland.