Superb Lyrebird: Menura novaehollandiae

A "Pheasant-like" Songbird

Menura novaehollandiae, or the Superb Lyrebird is a medium sized lyrebird that has a peculiar way of finding songs to sing.  It actually immitates songs it hears in nature.  In the BBC documentary featured above, you can see the superb lyrebird mimicing the sounds of a camera shutter and a car alarm.  

Reproduction

The polygamous males are the ones that have the long elegant tails.  Males use these tails in elaborate courtship displays whereby the tail is fanned toward the head, forming a silvery white canopy.  After mating, the females build a domed nest to lay a single egg.

Fun Facts

• Lyrebirds have been in Australia for over 15 million years.  
• The Superb Lyrebird is on the Australian ten cent coin.