L Y R I C A L   L Y R E   B I R D

The name "lyrebird" comes from the resemblance of the male Superb Lyrebird tail to a Greek lyre. As we were birding in the Blue Mountains early in the morning, we were privileged to see the courtship display of the male lyre bird, just a few yards away from us. It was making an array of different sounds while dancing in gay abandon to attract the female who was nearby. The males are polygamous and try to entrance as many females as possible through their display. Unfortunately the female appeared to be totally disinterested in the whole song and dance routine and just walked away! Lyre birds are quite wary and can be difficult to see especially during the courtship display. We were lucky and it was an enthralling display. I was so entranced that I failed to switch onto video mode! The images below might give an idea of this wonderful display.