Lyrebird (redirected from superb lyrebirds)

lyrebird, common name for Australian passerine birds named for the appearance of the tail plumage of the male superb lyrebird, Menura novaehollandiae, when displayed during courtship. There are only two species. The superb lyrebird, about the size of a rooster, is brown above and ash below. It has a long, pointed bill, a longish neck, and large, strong legs and feet with which it runs swiftly. The Albert's lyrebird is smaller. Lyrebirds are shy, solitary forest and scrubland dwellers. They seldom fly; at night they roost in trees. Their diet consists of insects, worms, and land crustaceans and mollusks. The frame of the lyre, which develops when the male is three years old, is formed by the two long (2 ft/60 cm), curved outer tail feathers; the "strings" between are lacy white quills. The lyre position of the tail is assumed only fleetingly during the courtship dance, which is performed on a mound of earth scraped together by the male. This dance is accompanied by elaborate vocalizing, the birds being excellent mimics as well as distinctive singers. The female lays her single egg in a bulky domed nest built on or near the ground. The lyrebird appears on the seals and stamps of Australia. Lyrebirds are classified in the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Menuridae.

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lyrebird

Either of two species of insectivorous suboscine passerines (family Menuridae) named for the shape of their extremely long tail when spread in courtship display. Found in forests in southeastern Australia, lyrebirds are ground dwellers with chickenlike bodies. About 40 in. (1 m) in total length, the male superb lyrebird is the longest of the passerines. He displays in a small clearing, bringing his tail forward so that the beautiful white plumes form a canopy over his head and the lyrelike feathers stand out to the side. In this position, while prancing in rhythm, he sings far-carrying melodious notes interspersed with perfect mimicry of other creatures and even of mechanical sounds.

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lyrebird

either of two pheasant-like Australian birds, Menura superba and M. alberti, constituting the family Menuridae: during courtship displays, the male spreads its tail into the shape of a lyre

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lyrebird

Australian bird; one of the most famous mimic species. [Ornithology: Sparks, 116]

See : Mimicry

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Lyrebird

any one bird of the family Menuridae of the order Passeriformes. The body and tail lengths together measure 75–130 cm; the wings are rounded. The tail of the males has two uniquely curved feathers that resemble a lyre (hence the name “lyrebird”), 12 lacey plumes, and 2 ribbon-like feathers. The plumage is loose and brown-gray, and the legs are strong, with blunt claws. There is one genus, Menura, with two species—the superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) and Prince Albert’s lyrebird (M. alberti). Distributed in southeastern Australia, these birds were imported to Tasmania in 1934. Lyrebirds live in hiding in dense forests. They sing well, mimicking the songs of other birds and various other sounds. The breeding period begins in the fall (March-April), when the males engage in mating games. The roofed nests are built solely by the females on the ground, in the clefts of rocks, or in trees. In June or July (rarely later) the female lays one egg, the size of a hen’s egg, which she incubates for approximately 45 days. The nestling has sparse black down on its back. The lyrebird feeds on insects, mollusks, and seeds, which are gathered from the ground by scratching the forest floor.