No, that’s not a child crying, it’s a bird that can flawlessly mimic the sounds around it

What sets the lyrebird apart isn’t just the variety of sounds it can make — it’s the accuracy.

Discover the enchanting lyrebird of Australia, a forest-dwelling bird known for its astonishing ability to mimic sounds (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Tucked away in the forested corners of Australia lives a bird so unique that it could put most impressionists to shame. Meet the lyrebird, nature’s master mimic, whose reputation has grown not just for its beautiful tail feathers, but for its near-magical ability to imitate sounds from its surroundings — and not just other birds.

There are two known species of lyrebirds: the more widespread superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) and the rarer Albert’s lyrebird (Menura alberti), named in honour of Prince Albert. These birds aren’t just fascinating for birdwatchers — they’ve captured the imagination of scientists, musicians, and nature lovers around the world.

More than just a songbird

What sets the lyrebird apart isn’t just the variety of sounds it can make — it’s the accuracy. Thanks to a highly complex vocal organ known as the syrinx, these birds can flawlessly replicate sounds ranging from those of kookaburras and cockatoos to human-generated sounds, including chainsaws, camera shutters, car alarms, a baby’s cries, and even mobile ringtones.

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In fact, according to numerous field studies and wildlife recordings, it’s not unusual for a lyrebird’s song to sound like an entire forest chorus all at once. During the breeding season, males put on elaborate performances that combine this mimicry with a mesmerising dance, showing off their impressive, lyre-shaped tail feathers in a dramatic arch above their heads.

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These displays aren’t just for show — they’re carefully choreographed routines intended to woo a mate and establish dominance over rivals. And yes, it works. In the world of lyrebirds, being a good singer truly pays off.

Some lyrebirds can mimic bird calls they’ve never heard in the wild — inherited from ancestors. In Tasmania, lyrebirds still sing calls from species only found on the mainland.

Where do they live?

Lyrebirds mostly live in the dense rainforests and eucalyptus woodlands of southeastern Australia, with some populations also found in Tasmania. The superb lyrebird has a fairly broad range, but Albert’s lyrebird, with its more muted plumage, is limited to a small region of subtropical rainforest in Queensland, making it a species of conservation concern.

Sadly, habitat destruction has put pressure on both species. Although they’re not critically endangered, ongoing deforestation and climate change pose significant threats to their survival. Conservation groups continue to advocate for preserving their habitats, recognising that once these ancient birds disappear, we lose not just a species, but a little piece of Earth’s magic.

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The lyrebird is a reminder that the natural world is far more complex and wondrous than we often realise.

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