Australia is home to two species of Lyrebird.
These unique birds are found nowhere else in the world.
Here in south-east Queensland, the spectacular song of the Albert’s Lyrebird can be heard in mountainous terrain of Springbrook, Tamborine Mountain and the Lamington plateau.
To see the second lyrebird species, the Superb Lyrebird, you must travel west to the Granite Belt.
This is the most northern extent of the Superb Lyrebird which is comprised of three sub-species.
The easiest way to know to tell the birds apart is that the male Superb Lyrebird has two long striped feathers in the tail.
Also, Superb Lyrebirds tend to look grey in colour whilst Albert’s Lyrebird are auburn brown in colour.
The photo that accompanies this article was taken by my ranger friend Andrew Parker and the bird is a male.
Female Superb Lyrebirds lack the two long ornamental tail feathers.
Male birds are well known for their mimicry and this intensifies through the breeding season when the male birds are territorial and have display mounds.
The displays of this bird are well documented and mind blowing.
Female birds build the nest and raise the chick on their own.
These birds can be elusive to see, however, if you are ever out walking in the Dandedong Ranges on the outskirts of Melbourne, there is a good chance you will see one.
Birds spend alot of time on the ground scratching in the leaf litter for food.
My friend Andrew tells me they are very fond of big grubs!
The range of the Superb Lyrebird extends thru New South Wales into Victoria.
Another good place to see the birds up close is the Blue Mountains.
The birds were introduced to Tasmania.
Throughout their range, the birds are relatively common but feral cats can be detrimental to their well-being.
For anyone wanting to see this bird, do your research and I am sure you will encounter one.
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