Superb Lyrebird

The superb lyrebird is a large, pheasant-sized songbird native to the forests of southeastern Australia, celebrated as one of the most extraordinary vocal mimics in the animal kingdom, capable of reproducing the calls of dozens of other bird species as well as artificial sounds such as camera shutters, chainsaws and car alarms with remarkable accuracy. The male is named for his spectacular tail, which in full courtship display fans out into a shape resembling an ancient lyre, and he performs an elaborate combined song-and-dance display on a specially built mound to attract females. Superb lyrebirds forage on the forest floor, scratching through leaf litter with their strong feet and claws to uncover insects, worms and other invertebrates, a habit that also helps turn over soil and reduce leaf litter fuel loads. Though shy and rarely seen in the wild, the species remains widespread within its native range and has become an emblem of Australian native wildlife.