SOLD "Boy in Blue", the native Australian male Splendid Fairy Wren. Acrylic on canvas.

Size: 16" x 16" / 40.1cm x 40.1cm

The male Splendid Fairy-wren (Malurus splendens) is a tiny, long-tailed Australian bird renowned for its dazzling, electric blue breeding plumage, which covers almost its entire body.

*Interesting fact: Their intense blue colouring is not produced by pigment, but by the structure of their feathers reflecting light, making them appear vividly blue to the human eye.

During the breeding season, males turn brilliant shades of cobalt or violet-blue (depending on their location) with black bands on their back, breast, and through their eyes. Males lose their blue plumage in the off-season, appearing similar to females (brown-gray) but keeping a blue wash on their wings and tail.