Superb Lyrebird
NameSuperb Lyrebird
Common NameSuperb Lyrebird
Scientific NameMenura novaehollandiae
FamilyMenuridae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)90
Weight (g)1000
Plumage DetailsMales possess a magnificent tail, up to 70 cm long, consisting of 16 feathers: two lyre-shaped outer feathers, two wire-like central feathers, and twelve filamentous, lace-like feathers. The body plumage is generally dark brown to grey-brown, with rufous coloration on the wings and undertail coverts. Females and juveniles have similar body plumage but lack the elaborate tail.
Vocalization / CallFamous for its complex and varied vocalizations, the Superb Lyrebird is an exceptional mimic, accurately reproducing the calls of other bird species, animal sounds, and even artificial noises from its environment. Males incorporate these mimicked sounds into elaborate song-and-dance displays during breeding season.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswet sclerophyll forest, rainforest, eucalyptus forest, dense scrub
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, where it inhabits temperate forests and woodlands.
Identifying Featureselaborate lyre-shaped tail (males), superb vocal mimicry, large, ground-dwelling bird, strong legs and feet for scratching, dark brown to grey-brown plumage
Description
The Superb Lyrebird is a large, ground-dwelling passerine bird native to Australia, renowned for the male's spectacular tail feathers and its extraordinary vocal mimicry. It forages by scratching through leaf litter on the forest floor, searching for invertebrates. Males perform elaborate courtship displays involving their tail and a wide range of imitated sounds.
