Superb Lyrebird
Menura novaehollandiae
A Pheasant-like Songbird
Menura novaehollandiae, the Superb Lyrebird, is a medium-sized lyrebird that has a peculiar way of finding songs to sing. It actually imitates songs it hears in nature. In the BBC documentary featured above, you can see the superb lyrebird mimicking the sounds of a camera shutter and a car alarm.
Reproduction
Polygamous males have long elegant tails they use in elaborate courtship displays whereby the tail is fanned toward the head, forming a silvery white canopy. After mating, the females build a domed nest to lay a single egg.
Fun Facts
Lyrebirds have been in Australia for over 15 million years.
The Superb Lyrebird is on the Australian ten cent coin.
Related Topics
A Pheasant-like Songbird
Menura novaehollandiae, the Superb Lyrebird, is a medium-sized lyrebird that has a peculiar way of finding songs to sing. It actually imitates songs it hears in nature. In the BBC documentary featured above, you can see the superb lyrebird mimicking the sounds of a camera shutter and a car alarm.
Reproduction
Polygamous males have long elegant tails they use in elaborate courtship displays whereby the tail is fanned toward the head, forming a silvery white canopy. After mating, the females build a domed nest to lay a single egg.
Fun Facts
Lyrebirds have been in Australia for over 15 million years.
The Superb Lyrebird is on the Australian ten cent coin.
Common Name:
Superb Lyrebird
