Scientific Name: Manorina melanocephala
Size: Total Length 28 cm
What does it look and sound like?
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 a loud “pwee pwee pwee” and a piping “pee pee pee” when alarmed. The calls are uttered repeatedly by the members of the colony.
The similar Yellow-throated Miner, M. flavigula, has a grey crown, white rump, and a line of yellow skin on the sides of the throat.
Where is it found?
The species’ range extends from northern Queensland, along the eastern coast to South Australia and Tasmania.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Noisy Miner is found in woodlands and open forests. It has also become well adapted to suburban situations, and is a common sight in parks and gardens.
The Noisy Miner feeds mostly on nectar, fruits and insects. Rarely, birds will eat small reptiles and amphibians. Food is either taken from trees or on the ground. In keeping with its highly social nature, the Noisy Miner usually feeds in large groups.
Breeding occurs in small to large colonies. The season extends from July to December, and several broods may be reared in this time. The female constructs the nest and incubates the eggs alone, but both sexes will care for and feed the young birds. Additional ‘helpers’ may also feed the young; interestingly these are almost always male birds.
Despite their small size, Noisy Miners will aggressively attack larger birds, such as hawks and Kookaburras. These attacks are so vigorous that all other birds are often excluded from an area occupied by the Noisy Miners.
Interesting facts
People often confuse Miners with the introduced Common Myna, Acridotheres tristis. The Common Myna is quite different in plumage, being mostly dark brown and, although has similar facial markings, belongs to the Starling family. The Noisy Miner is a Honeyeater.
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots