Superb Lyrebird
Image: kris_14 (cc-by-nc)
NameSuperb Lyrebird
Common NameSuperb Lyrebird
Scientific NameMenura novaehollandiae
FamilyMenuridae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)85
Weight (g)900
Plumage DetailsPredominantly dark grey-brown plumage with rufous (reddish-brown) on the wings and throat. Males possess an extraordinary lyre-shaped tail, composed of sixteen feathers, including two long, outer lyre-shaped feathers, two guard plumes, and twelve filamentous, lace-like feathers. Females have a long, broad, but less ornate tail.
Vocalization / CallRenowned for its complex and varied vocalizations, including highly accurate mimicry of other bird species, mammals, and even artificial sounds like chainsaws or camera shutters. Its own song is a rich medley of whistles, clicks, and trills, often incorporated with mimicked sounds.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswet sclerophyll forest, rainforest, temperate forest, eucalyptus forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southeastern Australia, found in forests from southern Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria, and also introduced to Tasmania.
Identifying Featureslarge size, elaborate lyre-shaped tail (males), dark grey-brown plumage, rufous wing patches, powerful legs and feet, ground-dwelling, complex vocal mimicry
Description
The Superb Lyrebird is a large, ground-dwelling passerine bird native to southeastern Australia, renowned for its elaborate tail feathers in males and extraordinary vocal mimicry. It primarily forages in the forest undergrowth, scratching through leaf litter for invertebrates. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, fanning their magnificent tails while singing a complex medley of mimicked sounds.
