Chromosome-scale genome assembly of the superb fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus)

The superb fairy-wren, Malurus cyaneus, is one of the most iconic Australian passerine bird species. The superb fairy-wren was one of the first bird species known to exhibit cooperative breeding and exhibit one of the highest rates of extra-pair breeding in birds. These and other natural history characteristics have effected a detailed long-term study, establishing the superb fairy-wren as a model system to research cooperative breeding, mate choice, and sexual selection in the wild. Complementing these extensive behavioral and ecological data, we generated a chromosome-scale reference genome of the superb fairy-wren providing a genomic context to expand our understanding of the ecology and evolution of this and other Malurus species.