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.
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 12, 2026 at 8:57 am
They would make a good pet to act as a security system if you could train them to do the siren sound when needed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 8:54 am
The variety of sounds is incredible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 8:53 am
They seem to like warmer climates.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 12, 2026 at 8:51 am
It would be amazing to hear them out in the wild. You do have a lot of wonderful birds in Tasmania.
LikeLike
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.’
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 9:00 am
Very good, Linda. I agree.
LikeLike
January 12, 2026 at 6:52 am
An amazing and beautiful bird! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 8:11 am
That is beautiful photography.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 8:48 am
My friends will be pleased that you like it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 8:22 am
A beautiful bird with a beautiful song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 8:49 am
I would love it if we had them around here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 9:16 am
I would love it if we had them in my area.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 8:31 am
Beautiful little video. I turned the volume up for my cats and they weren’t quite sure what to make of this bird’s song. Thank you for sharing this one. — Sonja
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 8:46 am
Same thing happened when Emma heard it.”Where is that bird? … or whatever it is. ” Thanks for visiting, Sonja.
LikeLike
January 12, 2026 at 9:37 am
What a fun chatterbox!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 10:16 am
I was lucky my friends recorded this when they were in Australia. I had never heard of this bird before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 12, 2026 at 12:49 pm
A very talented bird.
LikeLiked by 1 person