Plumage changes in the Superb Lyrebird

Abstract

Young Lyrebirds closely resemble females except for patches of rufous on the frons and throat. The rufous frons disappears in the second year and the rufous throat patch gradually fades at three to four years of age. Head and neck are moulted in the autumn. The tail is moulted in the spring. The plain feathers of the male's tail gradually change from the age of two until all sixteen tail feathers are fully mature in their fifth, sixth or seventh year of age. The pattern of chance varies with individuals. The three types of feathers in tails of young, immature and mature birds are briefly described. Variations in development of the tail are discussed. Abnormalities of feathers during the period of change are mentioned.