The Malurus leucopterus is a kind of small bird from the Maluridae family in Australia. It can be found in dry areas across Central Australia, spanning from Western Australia to central Queensland and South Australia. Similar to other fairywren species, this bird shows noticeable sexual dimorphism. During mating season, one or more males in a social group will develop strikingly colorful feathers. The male is smaller than the female and sports a bright-blue body, black beak, and white wings during breeding season. Meanwhile, the female has sandy-brown plumage with light-blue tail feathers. Interestingly, younger males who are sexually mature often become the breeding males as they look very similar to the females.
During the spring and summer, a flock of white-winged fairywrens is headed by a vibrant male who is older in age. The group also includes smaller brown birds, most of which are male, but less noticeable. There are three distinct ѕᴜЬѕрeсіeѕ of this bird species, including those found on the mainland as well as two more located on Dirk Hartog Island and Barrow Island off the coast of Western Australia. Interestingly, the males from these islands have unique breeding plumage that is black instead of the typical blue.
The white-winged fairywren primarily feeds on insects and occasionally consumes small fruits and leaf buds. It seeks refuge in low bushes found in heathland and dry scrubland. This bird species engages in cooperative breeding and forms small flocks that defend their territory throughout the year, similar to other fairywrens. The group is composed of a socially monogamous pair and several helper birds that assist in raising the offspring. These helpers are sexually mature but remain with their family for one or more years after leaving their nest. Interestingly, the white-winged fairywren may raise the young of other couples despite lacking genetic evidence. During the courting ritual, the male wren presents flower petals to the female birds.
