Lyrebird learns rooster call

["Greg & Val Clancy" <>]

The lyrebird in New England National Park had been in captivity and its 
owner, a boy, played a flute.  He played a classical tune and the captive 
lyrebird learnt to repeat it in full.  The lyrebird was released into the 
wild and continued to utter the flute song.  Over the years the song was 
passed down through the generations with parts of it being lost with each 
generation.  I have heard a lyrebird in New England National Park in recent 
years with part of the flute tune in its repertoire.
This story was fully documented, with an accompanying sound recording, by 
Neville Fenton, who is now retired from his NPWS ranger and regional manager 
position.

Greg Clancy
Ecologist
Coutts Crossing