superb lyrebird
Quick Summary
The superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) is a ground-dwelling bird native to southeastern Australia, named for the lyre shape of the male's tail when displayed during courtship. These passerine birds, resembling chickens in their brown bodies, are known for their musical abilities. The male's elaborate tail feathers, which can reach up to 75 cm (30 inches), are used in a courtship display where they form a canopy over his head.1
Lyrebirds are renowned for their vocalizations, producing melodious songs interspersed with remarkable mimicry of other birds and even mechanical sounds. They inhabit forests, and the male typically displays in forest clearings. The female builds the nest, usually on the ground, and incubates the single egg. While the female resembles the male, she lacks the elaborate tail development. Albert's lyrebird (M. alberti) is another species, less showy but an equally adept mimic, found in dense rainforests.12
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