Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Fairy bluebird
Latin Name: 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
Northern India to Southeast Asia

Status
Common

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.

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