The Superb Lyrebird: Menura novae-hollandiae

cover of The Superb Lyrebird: <i>Menura novae-hollandiae</i>

This film of the bird in its natural habitat was made from the original research film.

Biologists have studied the Superb Lyrebird's use of throat and mouth to vary sounds, in order to explain how - with only a primitive voice box - the bird produces the extraordinary range of sounds for which it is famous.

This film of the bird in its natural habitat was made from the original research film. It begins with the male bird feeding in the debris of the forest floor, breaking off now and then to give the `territorial' call that signifies its presence and challenges all intruders. Several juvenile males are seen, and we glimpse a brooding female in search of food. The film ends with a male displaying on a mound - mimicking the calls of other forest birds.

10 minutes