A lyrebird is either of two species of ground-dwelling Australian birds, that form the genus, Menura, and the family Menuridae. They are most notable for their superb ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds from their environment.
Fast Facts about Lyrebird
1. The Superb Lyrebird is larger in size among the two species and resembles a large-sized brown pheasant. The males are between 80 cm and 100 cm long and the females are around 74 cm to 84 cm long. The Albert’s Lyrebird is somewhat smaller, with the average length for the males being around 90 cm and for the females around 84 cm.
2. The Superb Lyrebird weighs around 2.2 lb (1 kg), whereas the Albert’s Lyrebird weighs slightly less than that.
Also Read: 10 Amazing Bird Facts (The Kingfisher)
3. The wings have a rufous colouration. The feathers on top of these birds’ bodies are darkish brown in colour whereas the underparts are much lighter. They have red or brown markings around their throat. The legs, feet and bill are black in colour.
4. They have wings but stay on the ground most of the time.
5. Lyrebirds feed on insects, spiders, worms and, occasionally, seeds. It finds food by scratching with its feet through the leaf-litter. Birds tend to forage alone, but females and young males may be seen feeding together.
6. If alarmed, they will give out loud, high-pitched shrieks of alarm and try to run away using its legs and toes or hide behind vegetation.
7. They can be very shy, thereby making it difficult for the humans to approach them.
Also Read: 10 Amazing Bird Facts (The Pelican)
8. The male secures a territory, attracting potential mates by singing and dancing on one of several mounds within it, while throwing the tail forward over the body and shaking it in display. Male can mimic many sounds.
9. The male will mate with several females. The female alone builds the nest, incubates the eggs and cares for the young.
10. Lyrebirds can live up to 30 years in the wild.
