lyrebird

Definition

Either of two large ground-dwelling Australian songbirds, of the genus Menura, named because of the beautiful tail feathers of the male of one species, the superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae), which can be erected to look like a lyre, and notable for their extraordinary ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds from their environment.

Etymology

From lyre + bird.

Example Sentences

• "A lyrebird strolled past me on its large feet, among the granite boulders."