Polygyny Among Superb Lyrebirds in Sherbrooke Forest Park, Kallista, Victoria

Abstract

Kenyon, R. F. 1972. Polygyny among Superb Lyrebirds in Sherbrooke Forest Park, Kallista, Victoria. Emu 72: 70–76. Evidence is presented on the association of a male Lyrebird with several females. The male Lyrebird holds territory enclosing the separate territories of several females. Female territories do not encroach on a lightly timbered centrally located area of the male's territory that contains the most-favoured display and copulation-mounds. It is in this area where the copulations by one male with several females take place. The male courts the female for several weeks before copulation and maintains his association with the same females from season to season. The songs and displays during courtship are described.