Appearance
The superb lyrebird has dark brown plumage, with lighter brown and rust-coloured feathers on its wings and throat. It is recognisable by its long striking tail of dark brown and silver feathers. Adult males have ornate tail feathers with sixteen silver and brown plumes that can reach up to 70cm long.
Distribution
The superb lyrebird is endemic to south-eastern Australia and has been introduced to the south of Tasmania. In Victoria, it’s mostly found in the east of the state. It lives in dense, moist forests and cool gullies with lots of leaf litter. Lyrebirds normally stay within a 10km radius of their regular habitat, rarely moving long distances.
Diet
The lyrebird is an omnivore. Spiders, worms, insects, frogs, and other small invertebrates are its primary source of food, but it will also sometimes eat seeds and fungi. It usually forages alone and uses its long claws to scratch through the undergrowth of soil and leaf litter.
Behaviour
The lyrebird is a ground-dwelling species and is most often seen foraging through the undergrowth. It has weak wings and rarely flies but does roost in trees at night.
The lyrebird is renowned for its ability to expertly mimic natural and artificial sounds including car alarms, chainsaws, crying babies, human voices, and other bird songs. Approximately 80% of the lyrebird’s call consists of imitations. Male lyrebirds sing to attract mates, but the female lyrebird also has a unique range of calls that enable it to communicate with its chicks.
Breeding season
Superb lyrebirds normally breed between April and October. The male builds dirt mounds in its territory, then performs an intricate display to attract potential mates. It will dance upon one of the dirt mounds, raising its tail above its head and shaking it as it sings its unique call. Males will mate with multiple females, while females mate with only one male.
The female lyrebird builds a delicate, dome-shaped nest out of sticks, ferns, roots and feathers. It lays one egg, which hatches after roughly 50 days. After hatching, the young lyrebird will remain in the nest for six weeks.
General fun facts
- The lyrebird is named for its tail feathers, which resemble the lyre (a musical instrument) when raised in display over their heads.
- Lyrebirds feature on the Australian 10 cent coin.
- The lyrebird plays an important ecological role. When it turns over soil to forage, it helps to cycle nutrients and disperse seeds around its habitat.