 Lyre bird Australian passerine bird named for its appearance of the tail plumage of the male when displayed during courtship. The two species, the superb lyre bird, which is about the size of a rooster, brown feathers above and ash below. Its bill is long and pointed, a longish neck, and large, strong legs and feet with which it runs swiftly . The Albert's lyre bird is smaller.
Lyre birds a large shy, solitary forest and scrub land dwellers. They seldom fly; and during the night they roost in trees. They feed on insects, worms, and land crustaceans and mollusks. The frame of the lyre, which develops when the male is three years old, is formed by the two along 2 ft., curved out the tail feathers; the strings between are lacy white quills. The lyre position of the tail is assumed only fleetingly during the courtship dance, which is performed on a mound of earth scrapped together by the male. This dance is accompanied by a elaborate vocalizing, the birds been excellent mimics as well as distinctive singers. The female lays her single egg in a balky domed nest built on or near the ground. The lyre bird appears on the seals and stamps of Australia |
