A Split Second

Pastel on Pastelmat Board (Sold)

48 cm W x 38 cm H
Adult male Superb Fairy-wrens (Malurus cyaneus) are among the most brightly coloured of the species, especially during the breeding season. These ‘coloured’ males are often accompanied by a band of brown ‘jenny wrens’, assumed to be a harem of females, but often include immature males which have not yet attained their breeding plumage. Seen in most habitat types where suitable dense cover and low shrubs occur, including urban parks and gardens, they can be seen in small social groups. These groups normally consist of one male and several females and young birds. They feed on insects and other small arthropods, which are caught mostly on the ground, but may also be taken from low bushes. This artwork depicts a male in the waning evening light about to launch on unsuspecting prey.