Superb lyrebird
| Superb lyrebird | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Menuridae |
| Genus: | Menura |
| Species: | M. novaehollandiae |
| Binomial name | |
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Menura novaehollandiae Latham, 1801 |
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The superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) is a pheasant-sized Australian songbird, measuring approximately 100 cm (39 in) long and weighing around 1 kg (2.2 lb), with brown upper body plumage, greyish-brown below, rounded wings and strong legs. Among all extant songbirds only the common and thick-billed ravens regularly outweigh it and only the much more slender black sicklebill can rival its length.
The superb lyrebird is featured on the reverse side of the Australian 10 cent coin.
An Australian endemic, the superb lyrebird can be found in the forests of south-eastern Australia, from southern Victoria to south-eastern Queensland. Its diet consists mainly of small invertebrates found on the forest floor or in rotting logs. In the 1930s a small number were introduced to Tasmania amongst ill-founded fears it was in danger of becoming extinct. The Tasmanian population is currently thriving. Now widespread and common throughout its large range, the superb lyrebird is evaluated as being of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The male is the bearer of an elaborate tail. The tail has sixteen feathers, with the two outermost together forming the shape of a lyre. Next within are two guard plumes and twelve long, lace-like feathers, known as filamentaries. Seven years are required for the tail to fully develop. During courtship displays, the male inverts his tail over his head, fanning his feathers to form a silvery white canopy. Young males and females have brown tail feathers which are camouflaged against the forest floor.
The superb lyrebird has an extraordinary ability to accurately mimic a huge variety of sounds. Both male and female lyrebirds sing but males are louder and sing more often.
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Wikipedia