Fairy bluebird
Latin Name
Irena puella
Class
Birds
Order
Passeriformes
Description
Irena puella
Class
Birds
Order
Passeriformes
Description
The fairy bluebird is a dimorphic species, meaning that males and females differ in appearance. Male fairy bluebirds display bright blue and black colors, while the female is a duller blue. The brighter colors of the male birds help them attract mates.
Range
Status
Habitat
Niche
Life History
Northern India to Southeast Asia
Status
Common. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Fairy Bluebird Species Survival Plan®, a shared management effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Habitat
Tropical rain forest
Niche
Fairy bluebirds feed primarily on fruit, particularly figs, although insects make up part of the diet as well.
Life History
The fairy bluebird lives in flocks of up to 30 birds in the wild. Male courtship displays include elaborate vocalizations, which the female responds to with nest building. Nests are constructed in trees or tall bushes from twigs, moss and grasses, and males and females cooperate in rearing chicks.
