Found in Australia’s eastern coastal areas of Victoria and New South Wales, the rainforest-dwelling bird was introduced into Tasmania in the 19th century.
Australian Superb and Albert’s Lyrebirds
There are two species of the Lyrebird – Superb (Menura novaehollandiae) and Albert’s (Menura alberti). The Superb Lyrebird is the third largest of the perching songbirds. The male measures about to 98 cm (38.5 in). The slightly smaller Albert’s Lyrebird male measures about 90 cm (35.5 in).
The birds’ plumage is brown with lighter undersides and a reddish neck. Their bodies are shaped similar to those of chickens.
The Superb Lyrebird male has 12 white, filmy tail feathers each 60-75 cm (24-30 in) long. It also has two medians, and two long, broad outer feathers that frame the tail. Those outer feathers develop after the birds’ second year. The female’s long brown tail that matches the body plumage does not fan out.
The Albert’s Lyrebird (named for Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert) male has a tail with long white feathers, but not the outer brown/white feathers.
Lyrebird Courting Ritual
Each polygamous male Lyrebird performs a very impressive ritual during courting. The Superb Lyrebird builds several mounds of dirt to use as a displaying stage. The Albert’s Lyrebird displays from twiggy platforms or vines.
While performing, he fans the long tail over his back and head in a pose that creates a strong resemblance to a Greek lyre (musical instrument). In this posture, the white tail feathers appear as a shimmering fan.
Impersonations of Other Birds’ Songs
With its complex vocal organ, the Lyrebird is the world’s best songbird mimic. It delivers not only its individual resounding ‘choo-choo-choo’, but also impersonates as many as 15 bird species. The Lyrebird is quite capable of imitating every sound it hears, such as a camera shutter, chainsaw, car alarm, dog bark, baby cry, musical instruments, and more.
While the Lyrebird displays and dances on the mounds, it also presents its remarkable vocal skills. The mimicry is used not only during courtship, but also as a year-round territorial warning.
Female Lyrebird Nesting and Incubation
The female Lyrebird, also a mimic, has full responsibility for building the low-to-the-ground nest f sticks and leaves. She also incubates the single egg which is usually laid in June or July (mid winter) for as long as 50 days, and rears the nestling for at least six weeks until it leaves the nest.
With strong claws, the Lyrebird digs out food such as worms, insects, and snails from the ground. It also tears at rotting logs to find food, and occasionally eats seeds.
This shy bird is an awkward flyer that roosts only on low branches of trees. Whenever it is frightened, it lets out high-pitched shrieks, and runs swiftly away. It is usually just a blur as it runs and dodges quickly through the dense forest underbrush. The Lyrebird's grand performance can be seen on the link below.
Sources:
The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia by Pizzey, Graham and Frank Knight, Angus & Robertson, 1997.
Lyrebird Unbelievable
Kathleen Airdrie - Kathleen has thirty years' freelance writing experience covering history, biographical profiles, environmental and social issues
