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Menuridae - Lyrebirds

 

Classification

 Phylum: Chordata
 Class: Aves
 Order: Passeriformes 
 Family: Menuridae
LyrebirdThere are two bird species in this family, the Superb Lyrebird (Menura superba) and Albert's Lyrebird (Menura alberti). They are found in forested areas of eastern Australia and are 30-40 inches in length. They are brown in color and look like pheasants.

The male lyrebird has an long, elaborate tail that looks like a lyre! A lyre is a type of harp. Lyrebirds are ground dwellers. They eat insects, spiders, and seeds.

If you just looked at a lyrebird, you wouldn't think it belonged in the Passeriformes order, but lyrebirds have great vocal ability and are known for their loud ringing call. They can even mimic other sounds!

galleryMenuridae Photo Gallery

World Status Key
Least ConcernLeast Concern Near ThreatenedNear Threatened VulnerableVulnerable EndangeredEndangered Critically EndangeredCritically Endangered extinct in the wildExtinct in Wild extinctExtinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in US Threatened in New Hampshire Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in US Endangered in NH Endangered in NH Introduced Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

New Hampshire Species

 

 North/Central American Species

None
  None

Species Around the World

Africa Africa Asia Asia Australia Australia/Oceania Europe Europe North America North/Central America South America South America New Hampshire Species NH Species

Albert's Lyrebird - Menura alberti Near Threatened Australia
  Superb Lyrebird - Menura novaehollandiae Least Concern Australia

Additional Information

Key: profile Profile Photos Photos Video Video Audio Audio

Albert's Lyrebird - Menura alberti profile Photos Video Near Threatened Australia
Albert's lyrebird is found in Australia.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Superb Lyrebird - Menura novaehollandiae Photos Video Least Concern Australia
The superb lyrebird is found in Australia.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School