The Atlas Obscura Podcast
Are Wild Birds Singing Human Music?
Feb 24, 2025
Discover the enchanting world of Australian lyrebirds as they mimic human songs from the 1920s. Researchers unravel the mystery behind their extraordinary abilities, blending folklore with genuine scientific inquiry. This exploration highlights the intersection of nature and music while addressing the importance of early colon cancer detection. Dive into the captivating mimicry of superb lyrebirds and uncover why these feathered performers remain a subject of fascination among scientists and bird enthusiasts alike.
17:37
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Quick takeaways
- The investigation into lyrebirds' mimicry of human music raises significant questions about originality and intellectual property in nature's artistry.
- Judith Fennell's expertise in music plagiarism sheds light on the challenges of proving intentionality in animal mimicry of human melodies.
Deep dives
Judith Fennell's Forensic Expertise
Judith Fennell, a highly sought-after forensic musicologist, plays a crucial role in analyzing musical copyright cases, having advised prominent companies and served as an expert witness in famous legal battles, such as the Blurred Lines case. Her insights provide a deeper understanding of music plagiarism, as she meticulously examines similarities and differences between songs. In this particular episode, her expertise is applied in an unusual scenario: investigating whether lyrebirds in Australia have mimicked human music. This unique case highlights the interplay between animal behavior and human music, prompting questions about originality and intellectual property in the natural world.
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