By Sheetal Kumari | July 11, 2025
This bird mimicry virtuoso can mimic chainsaws, camera shutters, alarms, and even other birds—making it the most cunning performer in the wild.
(Image: Canva)
Native to Australia, lyrebirds are terrestrial songbirds renowned for their remarkable talent to mimic almost any sound they pick up.
(Image: Canva)
From chainsaws to car alarms, lyrebirds can perfectly impersonate man-made and natural sounds with unbelievable accuracy and rhythm.
(Image: Canva)
Their skill led them to being called “nature’s biggest liar”—not for lying, but for their unparalleled vocal impersonations.
(Image: Canva)
Males employ impersonated sounds during mating season to impress females—making deception into an act of love.
(Image: Canva)
A single lyrebird will mimic as many as 20 bird species, as well as ambient sounds in its environment.
(Image: Canva)
Documentaries and wild animal videos record lyrebirds mimicking camera clicks, drills, ringtones, and even human voices.
(Image: Canva)
Scientists suspect mimicry assists with communication, defence of territory, and courtship—but so much is unknown.
(Image: Canva)
Despite being amazing, lyrebirds are under threat from habitat destruction and bushfires, so conservation efforts are crucial.
(Image: Canva)
Whether deceiving other birds or awe-struck humans, the lyrebird is nature’s greatest—and most believable—impressionist.
(Image: Canva)