A Song of Handsaws and Power Drills

 

For two decades, Chook the superb lyrebird lived at the Adelaide Zoo, South Australia and wowed visitors with his vocal abilities.

Superb lyrebirds (Menura novaehollandiae) are the size of pheasants and native to southeastern Australia.  The males are famous for their courtship displays which include shaking their elaborate tails and accurately mimicking a wide variety of sounds.

In the wild, superb lyrebirds mimic natural sounds.  In 2009 there was a lot of construction at Adelaide Zoo.  When the breeding season came Chook faithfully reproduced the sounds of hammers, power drills and workmen whistling on the job.

Close your eyes at the 3:15 mark and listen to the handsaw!

 

(YouTube video from Zoos SA, Australia)

PEREGRINE FANS, I have no news since Saturday.  I will update you when news comes in. Meanwhile, here are links for all Peregrine News to date and Peregrine FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

p.s. Thanks to Ed McCord for pointing out this video.

5 thoughts on “A Song of Handsaws and Power Drills

  1. Kate, that was awesome. I didn’t know a bird could make those sounds. very entertaining. Thanks again for sharing.

  2. Hi Kate,
    I know we can’t them but I have found one that is cute, Hoper, its meaning to hope

    Just thought I would pass it on

    sheba50

  3. That is totally adorable. How proficient birds are as noise makers. I think that I heard human voices in there too. I have to go back and re-listen.

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