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Birds use song to announce and defend territory, as well as to court mates. For
the former, the musical calls are simple, reflecting the curt message: "This is
my territory. Leave now." Once birds like this male lyre begin to scout for female
companionship, however, the songs become increasingly complex.
The lyre-bird is an extraordinary example of this, as it can imitate the calls
of a dingo, a Kookaburra, a car alarm, and even a logger's chainsaw. Some experts claim that this virtuosity helps to signal females. Since singing requires strength, if the male is an accomplished singer, it indicates that he will make a worthy mate.
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