Lyrebird

A SUMMARY

When we draw together all the threads available to us to approach an understanding of the Lyrebird, we are imperiously compelled to enter the misty realm where intelligence separates from instinct and merges into a form, however vague, of spiritual consciousness.

The Menura, as we have seen, willingly submits its life to regulation by a definite code of guiding principles.

It has a strong sense of property rights and values.

It respects the territorial rights of its neighbours and defends its own.

It possesses the power to impart ideas by a form of speech.

It is monogamous and is strictly faithful to its mate – even apparently (although that has not yet been exclusively established) after it has been bereaved of its life companion.

It has a deep love of melody, which it is able to express most sweetly with consummate art.

It dances prettily and accompanies its steps with a strange elfin music, spaced with throbbing time-beats which the dancing steps conform.

It is irresistibly attracted to reside in places of supreme loveliness and grandeur filled perennially with the most pleasing perfumes of the bush.

Its nature is amiable and kindly and it has a decidedly sociable disposition.

It is capable of loyal friendship with human beings, but its friendship cannot be won – as that of all other wild creatures – with offerings of food.

Its domestic life is exemplary and never disfigured by quarrels.

Ambrose Pratt, The Lore of the Lyrebird