Range

Australia is the native home of the superb lyrebird. Here they can be found in the states of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.

Habitat

Superb lyrebirds are mostly found in moist forests and woodlands.

Reproduction

Breeding begins in midwinter (May to August) when the males will start to display for females. The male forms a display mound that is up to 15cm high. Males maintain a home territory and may spread up to 15 display mounds across this. The display involves them raising the tail feathers over their head and singing their song for up to 20 minutes.

The male will mate with multiple females across the breeding season and will not be involved with raising the young.

Females will build their nest which is shaped like a dome and formed out of sticks and lined with plants, feathers or moss. This could be located in a cave, fern, tree stump or on a rock.

Each clutch is typically made up of only one egg. Incubation for the egg is 6 weeks and the chick is cared for by the mother for 6-10 weeks.

Both genders have a tail similar to the female until 3-4 years of age when the tail feathers of the male will start to grow.

Behaviour

Superb lyrebirds are primarily solitary though females and young birds may form a small group.

They are most known for their calls with up to 80% of the sounds they make being mimics of other species. In addition to copying bird calls they will also mimic chainsaws, car alarms and other man made sounds.

In addition to the mimics they do have their own calls including whistles, cackling notes and a shriek.

Most of their day is spent on the forest floor and they make their way to the trees at night to roost.

They are able to fly but typically will only do this if they feel threatened.

Predators and Threats

Their main natural predator is the quoll. Introduced predators such as cats, dogs and foxes also pose a threat.

To avoid predators they will typically run quickly through the undergrowth and while doing so emit a loud alarm call.

Humans affect their population through habitat destruction and hunting for their feathers.

Quick facts

They are also known as the native pheasant though they are not a member of the pheasant family.

Their name comes from the resemblance of the tail feathers to the ancient greek instrument, the lyre.

The superb lyrebird is featured on Australia’s 10c coin.