Superb Lyrebird
Menura novaehollandiae
EnvironmentThese birds are found in the south-eastern Australian mainland and Southern Tasmania. Superb lyrebirds live in forests just east of the Great Dividing Range. They like moist areas in the rainforests with lots of foliage. Superb Lyrebirds mostly live on the ground apart from at night when they nestle high in trees to sleep. The temperature in these areas ranges from a top of 28 degrees celsius in summer to a minimum of 3 degrees celcius in winter. Their preferred habitats are damp forests, eucalypt rainforest or wet woodlands and they often stay in very sheltered spots that are difficult to access. The rainfall in the forests is usually more than 700mm annually.
Challenges the animal facesAlthough they have wings, lyrebirds rarely fly because of the size of their wings compared to their body, which can make it more difficult for them to escape predators. They also have to deal with logging and four-wheel drivers, which is taking away their habitat and forcing them, to become endangered which will likely end up in extinction in the future. This also means that requirements are limited for them. Another challenge that they face is due to the fact that they are extinct, it is harder for them to find a mate to reproduce with. Lyrebirds also have to deal with and escape their predators, which are wild dogs, cats, foxes and other feral animals.
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Rhythmic PatternsSuperb Lyrebirds are also diurnal animals as they spend the day foraging for food and building nests for themselves. They then sleep in trees at night to keep away from danger on the ground below such as predators. This is a diurnal pattern and they do this daily.
Interesting Facts- Lyrebirds get their names from their tail. When extended over the birds head, the shape of their large unique tail resembles a lyre which is a musical instrument.
- Like peacocks, only male lyrebirds have the beautiful tails and it takes them about 7 years to grow. Image above: A lyrebird spreading it's tail to either attract a female or scare predators
Image taken from: http://kidcyber.com.au/tag/lyrebird-facts-for-kids/ |