92 Bird Mimics - with Vicky
Uncover the surprising truths about bird mimicry and vocal learning.
This episode is about the hidden talents of Australian birds – especially the female Superb Lyrebird – and the fascinating research that’s challenging our assumptions about who sings and why.
Dr Vicky Austin is interested in bird behaviour and how birds interact with each other and their environment. She is particularly fascinated by the vocalisations of female birds. Vicky’s PhD at Western Sydney University focused on the vocalisations of female Superb Lyrebirds (such as mimicry) and how females use these sounds to protect themselves and their chicks. Vicky reckons that vocalisations of female birds are just as spectacular as males and she’s here to share what she knows.