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.
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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.
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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 8:54 am
The variety of sounds is incredible.
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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 8:53 am
They seem to like warmer climates.
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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 8:51 am
It would be amazing to hear them out in the wild. You do have a lot of wonderful birds in Tasmania.
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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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January 12, 2026 at 6:52 am
An amazing and beautiful bird! ❤️
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January 12, 2026 at 8:11 am
That is beautiful photography.
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January 12, 2026 at 8:48 am
My friends will be pleased that you like it.
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January 12, 2026 at 8:22 am
A beautiful bird with a beautiful song.
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January 12, 2026 at 8:49 am
I would love it if we had them around here.
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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
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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.
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