Why Do Lyrebirds Mimic?

Lyrebirds are famous for their mimicry, but a new study suggests their calls aren't always "honest" signals. It found when a female lyrebird goes to leave a male who is trying to mate with her, he mimics the sound of a flock of birds sounding an alarm that a predator is nearby.

Can Lyrebirds mimic anything?

The lyrebird is capable of imitating almost any sound. Lyrebirds have been recorded mimicking human sounds such as a mill whistle, a cross-cut saw, chainsaws, car engines and car alarms, fire alarms, rifle-shots, camera shutters, dogs barking, crying babies, music, mobile phone ring tones, and even the human voice.

What does it mean when a bird mimics you?

Flock recognition

Birds raised in captivity might mimic humans, particularly their owners, to gain acceptance as a member of the family (flock). If they hear a word or phrase repeatedly, they might interpret that as a vocalisation distinct to their flock.