The variegated fairywren (Malurus lamberti) measures 14-15 cm (5.5-6 inches) in length, weighing in at 6-11 grams (0.21-0.39 oz). These birds display a high degree of sexual dimorphism where the males adopt brilliantly iridescent blue and chestnut plumage which contrasts beautifully with his black and grey to brown.

When in breeding plumage he also exhibits striking blue ear coverts, a black throat, and nape, a royal blue upper back, chestnut shoulders, and a blue to grey tail. His wings are grey to brown and his belly is white.