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Superb Lyrebird

Sir David Attenborough presents the superb lyrebird of eastern Australia.

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Sir David Attenborough presents the superb lyrebird of eastern Australia. Superb lyrebirds are about the size of pheasants. During courtship, as the male struts and poses, he unleashes a remarkable range of sounds. Up to 80% of the lyrebird's display calls are usually of other wild birds. However, if kept in captivity, they can mimic a chainsaw, camera click, gunshot and a whole host of other man made sound. Research recently discovered that the lyrebird co-ordinates his dancing displays to particular sounds. But superb lyrebirds are promiscuous performers and it's quite likely that another male may have played the leading role while he dances and sings away.

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1 minute

Last on

Mon 5 Sep 2022 05:58

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Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)

Webpage image courtesy of Roger Powell / naturepl.com

NPL Ref 01140081 © Roger Powell / naturepl.com

Broadcasts

  • Thu 18 Sep 2014 05:58
  • Mon 8 Feb 2016 05:58
  • Sun 14 Feb 2016 08:58
  • Mon 12 Dec 2016 05:58
  • Sun 18 Dec 2016 08:58
  • Thu 16 Jul 2020 05:58
  • Fri 27 Aug 2021 05:58
  • Mon 5 Sep 2022 05:58

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