This bird is named for its amazing tailfeathers which resemble a lyre, a U-shaped, harp-like instrument. Unfortunately, the video only shows glimpses of the tailfeathers – but the main feature of the clip is to show the mimicry the lyrebird is capable of. They have been heard mimicking other birds, as well as copying sounds like sirens, dogs barking, and even cameras clicking. What a variety!
The video was taken by my friends who visited Australia recently. Lyrebirds are rather shy so this was a lucky capture.
Please turn up the volume for the best results.
wordsfromanneli 
January 12, 2026 at 12:33 am
That’s an amazing range! What a voice. I remember one time (when I lived in Arizona) hearing a cat loudly meowing only to realise that it was a mockingbird. Thanks for sharing the video, Anneli.
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January 12, 2026 at 1:18 am
Wow! Unlike any bird song I’ve ever heard! The mimicry is amazing and what an unusual bird. Many thanks for sharing here.
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January 12, 2026 at 2:51 am
Dear Anneli
That’s quite a special bird. We have never seen or heard any bird like this lyrebird.
Wishing you a happy week
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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January 12, 2026 at 2:56 am
We have them here in Tasmania Anneli, I think they were introduced from mainland Australia and have spread to certain areas, includingthe Southern foothills of kunanyi / Mt Wellington. Ive only seen/heard them twice in the wild. They also mimic chainsaws!! Incredible to listen to in the bush.
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January 12, 2026 at 5:35 am
One of our native sages is call ‘lyreleaf’ because of the shape of its basal leaves. As for this bird, given its marvelous abilities involving mimicry, perhaps it also might be called a ‘liarbird.’
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