General
Lyrebirds may mimic sound of ‘mobbing’ flock of birds to trick females into mating, study says
Are male lyrebirds lying to get the girl? It looks like they might be, say researchers.
Key points:
- Male lyrebirds are known to be clever mimics
- Now they have been recorded imitating, with “remarkable accuracy”, a flock of birds sounding a predator alarm
- Scientists think this false signal of danger is designed to scare females into mating with them
Lyrebirds are famous for their mimicry, but a new study suggests their calls aren’t always “honest” signals.
It found when a female lyrebird goes to leave a male who is trying to mate with her, he mimics the sound of a flock of birds sounding an alarm that a predator is nearby.
“When the female attempts to leave, we think the male is trying to say ‘baby, it’s dangerous outside. Stay here with me!'”…
-
Noosa News16 hours agoMan charged over allegedly abandoning Arnie the German shepherd in car after claiming dog and vehicle were stolen
-
Noosa News17 hours agoMotorcyclist dies in crash with truck
-
Noosa News18 hours agoSomerville House investigating after teachers’ dossier on students leaked
-
General23 hours agoSmall-town cleaner finds himself in legal battle with EnduroShield over product packaging