Identification: A large reddish-brown bird with a long tail that is held horizontally.

Call/Song:  Albert's lyrebird mimics other bird calls. It's song is rich and powerful and a major feature of the rainforest during the breeding season.
Sound: D. Stewart -used with permission

Restricted to a small population within Lamington National Park. Was reported to be present in Blackall Range but searches have failed to find it.

Habitat: Found in the dense undergrowth of the rainforest floor.

Feeding: Feeds on small insects etc, which it scratches up from the forest floor.

Breeding/Nesting:   The male engages in spectacular displays through Winter. It does this by drawing its tail feather up over his body and shimmering them. The breeding season occurs from late May to early August.

Movement: The Albert Lyrebird is a wary species, which when disturbed will run rapidly away or fly up into a tree. This bird is extremely shy.
 

A male lyrebird in mating display Photos:  Glenn Threlfo

Status:

Distribution: Found throughout the rainforest on the plateau - it is a difficult bird to stalk and observe. The best way to see the bird is by walking the tracks quietly during the early morning.

Abundance:  Present in moderate numbers throughout the year.

Queensland Museum (1995) Wildlife of Greater Brisbane, Queensland Museum, Brisbane.

Reader's Digest Services (1979) Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds, Surry Hills, NSW.