Thursday, March 28, 2024

Can you help listen for the call of the Albert’s Lyrebird?

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In a breeding display, the male Albert’s Lyrebird spreads its tail forward over its head and body and shivers while calling loudly. Photo: Tweed Shire Council

Tweed Shire Council, Media Release, 2 September 2021

Citizen scientists needed to help find these rare birds in the Tweed

Budding citizen scientists are being called upon to help record and map sightings of the reclusive Albert’s Lyrebird as part of a project to help conserve the beautiful rare bird.

Albert’s Lyrebird (Medura alberti) is a mostly ground-dwelling bird that can only be found within a small area of far south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern NSW. 

With few details existing on how many of the elusive Albert’s Lyrebird exist in the region due to the difficulty in surveying them, Council is seeking help from the community to listen out for their distinct call and report their observations online.

Council’s Project Officer Wildlife Protection Emily Clarke said the citizen science aspect of the project was critical because it would provide a better understanding of where the birds are located.

“We are really keen to get the community involved in this project – it’s fun and it will make a big difference in conservation of the species,” Ms Clarke said.

“Although NSW is currently under stay-at-home orders, this could be something residents could do on their own property, when bushwalking or when restrictions are eased. Getting out in nature might just be what we all need right now.”

On a chilly winter morning, typically at dawn, the famous call of the male bird is most clearly heard. Their loud, intricate song includes spectacular mimicry of other animal species and is accompanied by a dance to attract a mate.

The male Albert’s Lyrebird calls more frequently over the winter breeding season, however, they do call all year round and people can record calls any time as part of the project.

“Most birds will call during the first half-hour after sunrise so this is the best time to listen for them. They are usually heard before they are seen. The technique for surveying the birds is to listen for their call and estimate their activity or how many birds there are in the area,” Ms Clarke said.

The project also aims to increase the extent, condition and connectivity of Albert’s Lyrebird habitat, with more than 9 hectares of primary weed control work already undertaken to clear lantana and other invasive weeds on project sites at Mount Nullum and Numinbah.

Two Albert’s Lyrebirds caught recently on a monitoring camera at Mount Nullum.
Photo: Tweed Shire Council

“Sadly the bird is listed as vulnerable due to its limited distribution, habitat clearing and fragmentation, weed encroachment, and feral pests,” Ms Clarke said.

“On the upside, with the work that has been done so far, the sites are showing strong natural regeneration and stable populations of Albert’s Lyrebird’s calling which is great to see.”

The Lowland Lyrebird Links project is being undertaken in partnership with the NSW Environmental Trust, BirdLife Northern Rivers, Tweed Landcare and private landholders.

Record your observations online at inaturalist.org/projects/listening-for-lyrebirds-project-page or to find out more about the project, hear the call of the Albert’s Lyrebird and learn about survey techniques, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/alberts-lyrebird.

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