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 Australia’s 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 Australia’s 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/