Hello, everyone! Did you know that there’s a bird in the forests of Australia that’s too good at mimicking sounds? Its name is the Superb Lyrebird, and it’s honestly one of the most fascinating birds out there!
The Superb Lyrebird measures about 80–100 cm in length, with over half of that taken up by its long, flowing tail feathers. Its back is gray, its belly is milky white, and its wings and throat have a reddish-brown hue that adds a splash of color. Males have especially delicate tail feathers that resemble lace, shaped like the ancient string instrument—the lyre. That’s actually where the bird gets its name!
But what truly makes the lyrebird stand out is its incredible mimicry. These birds can imitate not only other bird calls, but also camera shutters, car brakes, chainsaws, alarms, and even human voices—like a crying baby or someone talking! In fact, there’s even a local saying: “Never call out a child’s name in the forest,” because a lyrebird might mimic it, and the child could mistakenly follow the sound. That’s how deep the urban legends go!
This mimicry isn’t just for fun—it’s part of the male’s courtship display. He gathers leaves and branches to build a “stage,” then stands on it, fans his gorgeous tail over his head, and performs a vocal show that feels like a live concert! And he doesn’t stop at individual sounds—he can flawlessly replicate the complex “mobbing” chorus that birds use to scare off predators, all by himself. This is believed to signal to females that “it’s safe to be near this male.”
Good looks, great voice, and showmanship to match—when you walk through the forests of Australia, keep your ears open. Who knows? The lyrebird might be copying your voice next! See you next time!
