Bird Guide

Superb Lyrebird

Menura novaehollandiae

Least ConcernEndemicInvertebratesForestDomed nestLarge · 973 g

About the Superb Lyrebird

The superb lyrebird is an Australian passerine songbird, one of two species from the family Menuridae, with the other being the much rarer Albert's lyrebird. One of the world's largest songbirds, the superb lyrebird is renowned for its elaborate tail and courtship displays, and for its excellent mimicry. The species is endemic to Australia and is found in forest in the southeast of the country. According to David Attenborough, the superb lyrebird displays one of the most sophisticated voice skills within the animal kingdom—"the most elaborate, the most complex, and the most beautiful".

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The superb lyrebird is a large, pheasant-sized terrestrial passerine, ranging in length from 860 mm (34 in) for the female to 1 m (39 in) for the male. Females weigh around 0.9 kg (2.0 lb), and males weigh around 1.1 kg (2.4 lb). The plumage colour is mainly dark brown on the upper body, with greyish-brown underparts and red-tinged flight feathers, its feathers are brighter tail than that of Albert's lyrebirds. The wings are short and round, and are only capable of weak flight, being mainly used for balance or for gliding from trees to the ground.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Superb Lyrebird sounds like

Recording: James Ray · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: James Ray · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: James Ray · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where the Superb Lyrebird lives

Regular range

When to see the Superb Lyrebird

Peak activity in March · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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