lyrebird

[ lahyuhr-burd ]

noun

1. an Australian passerine bird of the genus Menura, the male of which has a long tail that is lyrate when spread.

lyrebird

/ ˈlaɪəˌbɜːd /

noun

1. either of two pheasant-like Australian birds, Menura superba and M. alberti, constituting the family Menuridae: during courtship displays, the male spreads its tail into the shape of a lyre

Word History and Origins

Origin of lyrebird¹

First recorded in 1825–35; lyre + bird

Example Sentences

Because the lyrebird mimics multiple alarm calls in particular, researchers aren’t sure if it’s also trying to sound an alarm or just showing off for mates.

From Science News

The male superb lyrebird lives up to its name with its excellent vocal abilities, mimicking nearly any sound it hears in its Australian forest home — even chainsaws and cameras.

From Science News

Superb lyrebirds — native to forested parts of southeastern Australia — have a flair for theatrics.

From Science News

The lyrebirds appear to be attempting to recreate the specific ecological soundscape associated with the arrival of a predator, researchers report February 25 in Current Biology.

From Science News

Why lyrebirds do this isn’t yet clear, but the finding is the first time that an individual bird has been observed mimicking the sounds of multiple bird species simultaneously.

From Science News