A couple of weeks ago, I was at Marrambidya Wetland near Wagga Wagga, NSW. A couple of Superb Fairy-wrens were sharing a puddle with some Yellow Thornbills. I managed to photograph one of each bird, but not all together.

First a Superb Fairy-wren:

The croaking noise in the background is a Darter. (You can see and hear one in this post.)

These birds are quick and bright, with their clearly-delineated blocks of blue, black, and white. Here’s a still shot:

Yellow Thornbills aren’t nearly as showy! Here’s one taking his or her turn in the puddle:

They’re tiny birds, with olive backs, a buff-coloured chest, and striations around the eyes. This bird is wet, which makes its colouring hard to see:

Common name: Superb Fairy-wren and Yellow Thornbill
Scientific name: Malurus cyaneus and Acanthiza nana
Approximate length: 13-14 cm and 9-10 cm
Date spotted: 14 July 2026 (winter)
Location: Marrambidya Wetland near Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia: 35°05’25.5″S 147°21’27.8″E