There are two species of the ground-dwelling Australian Lyrebird: the Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) and the Albert’s Lyrebird (Menura alberti). The Superb Lyrebird is the larger of the two species and is found in the wet forest areas of New South Wales and Victoria, as well as in Tasmania where is was introduced by man in the 19th century. The Albert’s Lyrebird is found exclusively in a small area of rainforest in Southern Queensland. Albert’s Lyrebird was named in honor of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert.

Australia’s Lyrebirds are wary creatures which dodge and run through forest underbrush in an attempt not to be seen. Although they do not fly as such, their wings assist them in running and jumping up onto rocks and into low branches where they roost at night.

The male lyrebird’s tail, when it is displayed, resembles a lyre (harp-like musical instrument) with the two outer large brown and white feathers forming the frame and the thinner inner feathers resembling the strings, resulting in the name of Lyrebird. Apart from the male’s unusual tail feathers, the lyrebird is a rather unremarkable looking bird, about the size of a chicken and brown in color. In mating season, however, this feathered suitor puts on a display that his prospective mate finds irresistible. In order to be seen clearly, he piles up a small heap of soil, which he stands on. Then he spreads his tail up and over his head in the distinctive lyre shape at the beginning of his courtship dance. As he is dancing about he sings his own song, as well as mimicking other birds and various surrounding noises.

This ability to mimic just about anything, from the call of any other bird to artificial sounds, is what really sets the lyrebird apart from the other birds in their area. It is not uncommon for people to be fooled into thinking that they are enjoying the singing of many species of birds, only to find that it is the lyrebird going through its very impressive repertoire. The lyrebird’s vocal chords (syrinx) are the most complex of all songbirds, facilitating its vast vocal range. Lyrebirds have been heard to mimic all the bird species in their surroundings, including flocks of birds. It has been reported to successfully mimic chain saws, car alarms, car engines, fire alarms, dogs barking, camera shutters, rifle shots, crying babies and songs played on various musical instruments. The male lyrebird is the more vocal of the sexes, although the female does have the same ability to mimic.

Clearly, this elusive bird is a marvel and should you be fortunate enough to hear one, you will surely remember it forever.

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There are actually very few resources available for learning to whistle like a bird. Far easier to just learn how to whistle — period! Easier still, to find material — CD’s of pre-recorded birdsongs more often than not — that teach your bird how to whistle. But apparently for the birder – the passionate individual trekking through the woods with a pair of binoculars and a guidebook, learning to whistle and imitating your favorite bird is a skill you either have or you don’t.

In some higher circles of bird watching, the art of whistling is referred to mimicry. As if that changes anything. Mimicry is known to only a few. Rich Little is a darn good mimic, but his impersonation of Kirk Douglas will not attract a cardinal. (And his whistling ability sucks by the way).

For those who care, whistling can be traced to the 12th century just by Webster’s definition, but early man probably tried to mimic bird sounds as well. Their interest was in attracting dinner, not in attracting a bird to look and appreciate.

Back in the 1920’s, whistling achieved a certain amount of respectability. The late Agnes Woodward started a school for whistlers, which gained so much popularity that at one time her method was taught nationwide, mostly by voice teachers.

Getting back to birds however, in order to imitate a bird you need to be able to listen to the bird and fortunately there are many resources available that offer recorded bird songs. Listen and repeat. The same strategy used so successfully in learning to ride a bike just may work when learning how to whistle like a spotted wren.

Only you don’t fall down as much.

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