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Superb Lyrebird

Menura novaehollandiae

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Field Notes

Description:

80 to 97cm which includes an impressive 55cm tail the main feature of this iconic Australian bird. whole body is usually dark brown grey, some rufous colour on throat and wings with underparts lighter grey. the tail of the female is long dark feathers, whereas the male has these plus two narrow single-webbed feathers, 12 filamentary feathers and 2 outer lyre-shaped feathers with orange-rufous and silver grey bands and curled black tips. the call is loud and the lyrebirds are renowned for the mimicry of many other sounds including other birds, human activity and machinery.

Habitat:

general habitat is along eastern regions of Australia in NSW, south east Queensland, Victoria. it was said to have been introduced into Tasmania in the 1930s. damp dark gullies and wet schlerophyl forest are its preferred habitat.

Notes:

We have been researching and observing a group of Lyrebirds in the Washpool raiforest for the past few years noting the decline in numbers and also the change in habitat and behaviour as the environment changes. one male has become used to our visits and enjoys showing his tail in displays and repeats an amazing repertoire of songs and sounds for us.

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Comments (5)

Thankyou KarenL, Emily, Gilma, Lauren for your comments. Added to new mission Looking Out For Lyrebirds. They are amazing birds & a creature of legend.
Fun fact! As well as sporting the fabulous tail that gives it its name, the superb lyrebird also has a wide repertoire of calls that it “samples” during its courtship rituals. It is able to convincingly mimic over 20 other species of bird, as well as car alarms, camera shutters, and chain saws! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153517956970603&set=a.10152575329380603.958289.10150120463815603&type=1
Amazing! Thank you for sharing! I remember being in awe of these birds growing up. The thought of a bird that could mimic other sounds mystified me as a child! I love seeing the actual bird itself! You almost always just see pictures of the tail! Thank you again for sharing!

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