Superb lyrebirds are famed for their extraordinary ability to mimic. They imitate other bird calls, as well as human sounds such as car alarms and camera shutters.
Scientific name: Menura novaehollandiae
Rank: Species
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The superb lyrebird reproduces the sounds of the forest.
As part of Sir David's 80th birthday celebrations in 2006, this clip was nominated by Bill Oddie and voted for by the public as the number 1 favourite Attenborough moment. It's a wildlife highlight in which the lyrebird shows off his extraordinary impersonation skills. His camera shutter, car alarm and chainsaw calls have fooled many a human listener as he attempts to outdo his rivals and attract a mate.
Male lyrebirds mimic the sounds of the other birds around them.
Male lyrebirds mimic the sounds of the other birds around them pulling their songs together into an impressive repertoire. Their powerful voices can carry as much as 1km through the forest. All this effort is to attract as many females as possible.
Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
The Superb lyrebird can be found in a number of locations including: Australia. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Superb lyrebird distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Least Concern
Year assessed: 2009
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
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