lyrebird

Either of two species of large birds found in southeastern Australia. They have very stout beaks and short, rounded wings; the tail has 16 feathers, and in the males the exterior pair of feathers are curved in the shape of a lyre; the tail of the female is long, broad, and normal in shape. Lyrebirds nest on the ground, and feed on insects, worms, and snails. (Genus Menura, family Menuridae, order Passeriformes.)

Lyrebirds live in the thick undergrowth, or sandy gullies of forests; they rarely fly, but run or strut with the tail spread horizontally. M. superba is 1 m/3 ft long, and of a brownish colour, with blue tinges; M. alberti is of a warmer, reddish colour.