Noisy Miners - Manorina melanocephala

 

[Device used: Nikon D60; Location: William Bruce Ronald Reserve, Pakenham, Victoria, Australia]

The Noisy Miner is a bold and curious bird. It is identified by its mostly grey body and black crown and cheeks. The bill is yellow, as are the legs and the naked skin behind the eye. The name is well suited as the common calls are uttered repeatedly by the members of the colony. [1]

Noisy Miners range from northern Queensland along the eastern coast to South Australia and Tasmania.

Noisy Miners are found in woodlands and open forests. They have also become well adapted to suburban situations and are a common sight in parks and gardens.

Noisy Miners breed in small to large colonies and several broods may be reared during a single season. The female constructs the nest and incubates the eggs alone, but both sexes will care for and feed the young birds. Additional 'helpers' usually also feed the young. Interestingly, these helpers are almost always male birds. [1]

[Device used: Nikon D60; Location: William Bruce Ronald Reserve, Pakenham, Victoria, Australia]

Noisy Miners, Manorina melanocephala, are Australian native birds but they are being overtaken by the introduced Common or Indian Myna which is an aggressive bird that competes with Australian native birds for nesting sites and preys on eggs and chicks.[2]

They have a very loud call that sounds like a repetitive 'pwee, pwee, pwee'. When they want to warn other birds about possible dangers, their calls become even louder and higher pitched, creating quite a ruckus. While sometimes annoying for us, these guys are great little communicators and can quickly convey important information to the whole group.[2]

Noisy Miners have big appetites and will eat all sorts of food. While they are technically a type of honeyeater and love to eat nectar, they will also eat insects, frogs, lizards, seeds, fruit, and just about anything else. Their ability to eat so many different food sources may explain why they like living close to us in built up areas.[2]

While the Noisy Miner can be a nuisance, they can also be a helper in the garden. These guys love to eat the little bugs and insects that get up to no good in your veggie garden.[2]

[Device used: Nikon D60; Location: William Bruce Ronald Reserve, Pakenham, Victoria, Australia]