Superb Lyrebird
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/9919745@N03">Ron Knight</a> from Seaford, East Sussex, United Kingdom (CC BY 2.0)
NameSuperb Lyrebird
Common NameSuperb Lyrebird
Scientific NameMenura novaehollandiae
FamilyMenuridae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)85
Weight (g)950
Plumage DetailsBoth sexes have dark brown to greyish-brown plumage on their upperparts, paler greyish underparts, and rufous (reddish-brown) markings on their wings. Males possess a spectacular tail composed of two long outer 'lyrate' feathers, two wire-like median feathers, and twelve filamentous 'lace-like' feathers, which are fanned out during display.
Vocalization / CallRenowned for its complex and loud vocalizations, which include an extensive repertoire of mimicked sounds from other bird species, mammals, and even human-made noises like chainsaws or camera shutters. Their own calls are also rich and varied.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, dense bushland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southeastern Australia, including eastern New South Wales, Victoria, and southeastern Queensland, with an introduced population in Tasmania.
Identifying FeaturesElaborate lyre-shaped tail of the male, Exceptional vocal mimicry, Large, ground-dwelling bird, Dark brown plumage with rufous wing markings, Strong legs and feet for scratching the forest floor
Description
The Superb Lyrebird is a large, ground-dwelling passerine bird endemic to southeastern Australia, famous for its elaborate tail feathers and exceptional vocal mimicry. Males display a magnificent lyre-shaped tail during courtship, while both sexes forage on the forest floor for invertebrates.
