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Lyrebirds: Menuridae

Lyrebirds And People

While a source of amusement due to its close mimicry of human-generated sounds, the lyrebird is often regarded as an annoyance as well. Its habit of shuffling through leaf litter for food can be destructive when it occurs in gardens and compost heaps.

A LONG WAIT FOR BEAUTY

Unlike most other bird species, which reach full sexual maturity in a matter of months, young male superb lyrebirds do not grow their fancy, elaborate tails until they reach three or four years of age, and only when they are six do they acquire the extra filamentary feathers that make their appearance so dramatic. Until then, they cluster together and are known as "plain-tails."

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceBirdsLyrebirds: Menuridae - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Lyrebirds And People, Conservation Status, Albert's Lyrebird (menura Alberti): Species Account - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET