Superb lyrebirds have an unexpected new skill
March 6, 2025
Imma Perfetto
Cosmos science journalist

Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae). Credit: tracielouise via Getty Images
The superb lyrebird is arguably Australias most iconic native songbird, known for its ornate tail and incredible mimicry. The species can imitate natural and mechanical sounds, resulting in a vocal repertoire that spans the calls of other birds to the cries of human babies, or the sound of a chainsaw.
But new research has found the bird has another, unexpected talent: farming.
In a new paper published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, researchers from Australias La Trobe University have found that lyrebirds arrange litter and soil on the forest floor in ways that promote the growth of more prey.
This ground-dwelling bird creates perfect micro-habitats for its prey worms, centipedes, and spiders to live and grow, compensating for the reduction in their numbers through predation.
Lyrebirds set up the perfect home for their prey, creating conditions with more food resources and effectively fattening them up before eating them, says Dr Alex Maisey, who led the research.
More:
https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/birds/superb-lyrebirds-new-skill/
