
Superb_Lyrebird_or_Weringerong3
MIMICRY They are magnificent mimicker of other birds and noises. Often in the morning you may think you are surrounded by a multitude of bird species, to find out you have been fooled by a lyrebird. Car noises, chainsaws, dogs and other noises are no problem for this excellent imitator The mimicry, though used in the mating courtship is heard all year round. It is said to be the way the male lyrebird tells others this is his territory, much like the Kookaburras "laugh" COURTSHIP DISPLAY OF THE MALE One of the great exhibitions of the Australian forests is the courtship display of the male superb lyrebird Firstly he builds a small mound (of dirt) upon which he stands so he is better seen and heard He then spreads his magnificent tail feathers up and over his head into the Lyre shape The tail is only spread and displayed for mating courtship purposes He then sings to his intended, his own songs and mimicking other birds and noises As he sings he moves about (dances) to attract the females attention
Notes:
David Attenborough presents the amazing lyre bird song in his films...

The Superb Lyrebird is a pheasant-sized songbird, measuring approximately 100 cm long and weighing around 1 kg, with brown upper body plumage, grayish-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.