326 THE LYRE BIRD. 
plumage, and are tipped with black. In running the tail is 
lowered and held horizontally, and when of full size it is 
nearly two feet in length. 
Gould describes the Lyre Bird (Menura superba) as soli- 
tary, never more than one pair, and frequently only one bird 
being found in the same covert. It is extremely shy, and of 
all birds is the most difficult to capture, this being ascribed 
in part to its extraordinary powers of running and in part 
to the nature of the ground it inhabits, traversed as that is 
by immense, obstructed gullies and ravines. It seldom or 
never attempts to escape by flight, but like the Texan Guan, 
belonging to the Penelopide, frequently ascends trees to a 
considerable height, by leaping from branch to branch. 
One mode of procuring specimens is by wearing the tail of 
a full plumaged male in the hat. The poor bird is deceived, 
and, approaching to greet a companion, easily falls a victim 
to the gunner. Any unusual sound, such as a shrill whistle, 
generally induces it to show itself for an instant; if this 
favorable moment is not seized instantly, the next it may 
be half way down a gully. None are so successful in the 
capture of these birds as are the native blacks of Australia. 
Restless and active, the Menura is constantly engaged in 
traversing the brush from one end to the other, and the 
mountain sides from the top to the bottom of the gullies, 
whose steep and rugged acclivities present no obstacle to 
its long legs and septal) and muscular thighs. It is also 
said to be capable of performing the most extraordinary 
leaps, frequently using this method of escape from its 
enemies. 
Independently of its loud, full call, which can be heard 
reverberating over the gullies at least a quarter of a mile, it 
possesses an “inward and varied song, the lower notes of 
which can only be heard when the listener is within a few 
feet of the singer.” This animated strain frequently ceases 
suddenly and then recommences with a low snapping sound, 
ending in an imitation of another Australian singer, the 
