A taxidermist who had never seen a live specimen mounted a bird with its tail held in the shape of a lyre, a U-shaped, harp-like instrument.
Further details:
The male Superb Lyrebird's tail always has the lyre-shape. Its tail feathers are ornately curved, and when on display for a female, can assume the shape of the stringed intrument known as the lyre. The Albert's Lyrebird does not have this feature.
The name "lyrebird" was coined when the first Superb Lyrebird specimen was sent back to England. The lyrebird was named by John Latham, an English physicist and naturalist ... not by a taxidermist.
The Lyrebird got its name due to the shape of its tail feathers, which resemble a lyre, a musical instrument from ancient Greece. The male Lyrebird displays its elaborate tail feathers as part of its courtship ritual.
The lyrebird is the emblem of no Australian state. However, it is on the emblem of the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service.
No studies have been done on how many sounds the lyrebird can remember, or for how long. Suffice to say that its range of vocalisations is remarkable.
A lyrebird is a ground-dwelling bird native to Australia. Known for its impressive ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds, including chainsaws and car alarms, the lyrebird uses its tail feathers to create a lyre-shaped display during courtship. It is considered one of the best mimics in the avian world.
The name of the large Australian songbird that mimics is the lyrebird. It is known for its remarkable ability to mimic natural and mechanical sounds, including chainsaws and car alarms.
Lyrebirds are not known for swimming, as they primarily dwell in forests and on the ground. They have not evolved to be strong swimmers as their habitats do not typically include bodies of water where swimming would be necessary for survival.
The scientific name of the Superb lyrebird is Menura novaehollandiae.
No. A lyrebird is a bird. It gained its name because the male Superb Lyrebird's tail always has the lyre-shape. Its tail feathers are ornately curved, and when on display for a female, can assume the shape of the stringed instrument known as the lyre.
Superb Lyrebird was created in 1801.
Albert's Lyrebird was created in 1850.
lark lorikeet lyrebird little wren
a lyrebird can copy any sound. :-)
· Species - menura novaehollandiae · Lyrebird - also known as Superb Lyrebird, Edward Lyrebird, Prince Edward Lyrebird, Victoria Lyrebird, Queen Victoria Lyrebird, Lyretail, Native Pheasant · Largest of Songbirds · Male measuring length 80-100 cm, including a tail 70 cm · Weight - 1 kg · Description - a short, sharp, down curved bill, brown colour, strong legs · Male's tail plumage distinguishes them from females. · Lyrebird - imitation other species and sounds
The Superb Lyrebird can fly, but it rarely does. At night it roosts in trees.
The lyrebird is the emblem of no Australian state. However, it is on the emblem of the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The main predators of the lyrebird are dogs, feral cats, foxes and quolls. Goannas enjoy lyrebird eggs, while larger birds also pose a threat.
Many websites state that the tail of the Superb lyrebird has 16 feathers.
The Superb Lyrebird (or the slightly smaller Albert's lyrebird) native to Victoria, Australia.