Regional Variation in the Territorial Songs of Superb Lyrebirds in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales

Abstract

A seven year study of territorial songs of the Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales found clear evidence of regional song variation. Songs were locationally distinct and did not vary in structure in seven years. Twelve different dialect groups were found within a 35 km radius, each of which comprised from 5-50 or more singing males in native forest habitats. Groups were reliably identified according to their songs and no evidence of migration was found. Regional variation in song was greatest in geographically separated habitats but song variation was still apparent at locations only 5 km apart in acoustically isolated gullies. Some groups used only one territorial song but other groups consistently used up to three different songs and sometimes combined them. Mimicry was incorporated into some songs. The songs of seven groups are compared and described.