Noisy Miner
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Noisy Miner | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
||||||||||||||
| Conservation status | ||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Manorina melanocephala Latham, 1802 |
The Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala) is a bird common to the eastern and southern states of Australia. It ranges from northern Queensland along the eastern coast to South Australia and Tasmania. Its typical diet consists of nectar, fruit and insects, and occasionally it feeds on small reptiles or amphibians. Somewhat opportunistic, the Miner will also feed on grains and can be seen foraging in grasslands although its normal habitat is scrub and woodlands. It has adjusted to urban areas far better than most other birds, given their preference for shorter grasses and thinner underbrush.
A territorial and gregarious bird that lives in groups or colonies of 4-12, the Miner will aggressively defend an area against invaders, harassing and chasing away larger invaders such as Magpies, Currawongs or Crows. They may attack smaller birds inside their territory, particularly in suburban environments that favor them, and thus influence local biodiversity by affecting what predators and insects prosper.
Their 'Noisy' name is obvious when encountered, for their alarmed warning shrills are echoed across the colony as all members are alerted to your presence. Far softer are their social, talkative clicks, peeps and squeaks.
Colouration is principally grey, with a lighter grey on their underbelly. The wings have flashes of green on the edges. The beak and area around and behind the eyes is yellow. When indicating submission, the bird frequently fluffs up the feathers around the eye, opening its beak to flutter its tongue and softly utter a "pipipipipee, pee, pee!" noise. A distinctive black head resembling a miner's cap gives rise to its name. Grows to 20-25 cm in size.
Unfortunately, many Noisy Miners like nesting over 'short' grass so much that they frequently build over grassless areas - such as roads and parks. Those that are not run over are often brought in to veterinary clinics as rescued birds, where they are euthanised by law. This no longer applies in South Australia and New South Wales, where they may be kept with a Rescue Permit & a Class II license respectively. Nonetheless fauna rescue volunteers remain reluctant to take them on because of their territorial and aggressive nature, causing integration problems with their other rescued birds.
The preference for shorter grasses in nesting areas seems related to a strong tendency for the young to 'fall' out of the nest a week before they can fly, allowing the adult better view of approaching predators. The young will find a bush or low branch to begin their journey back up into the tree, while some member of the family typically stands guard to warn off any intruders.
They are very active birds, easily distressed by being caged, and difficult to domesticate compared to traditional companion birds. Finch or Insectivore rearing food mixed with Lorikeet & Honeyeater feed sustains them well, though they will generally try to eat anything offered. As with most birds, salt, avocado and chocolate are toxic even in small quantities. Dairy products are not recommended either.
While it has adapted to urban areas, it also faces increasing competition from an introduced species, the Indian or Common Mynah. The Common Mynah is similar in size, beak colouration and diet; but is otherwise unrelated and easily distinguished by its darker plumage.
[edit] Sounds
- Noisy Miner Call (WAV file)
- Noisy Miner Call (OGG file)
[edit] Gallery
 Noisy Miner in Sydney, Australia |
 Noisy Miner in Sydney, Australia |
 Hungry Juvenile Noisy Miner in Sydney, Australia |
 Juvenile Noisy Miner Feeding in Sydney, Australia |
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Manorina melanocephala. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
[edit] External links
- Noisy Miner videos on the Internet Bird Collection
- Noisy Miner at The Australian Museum Online
- Noisy Miners - Aggression in the suburbs from mdavid.com
- Advice on encouraging other bird species back from BirdsInBackyards
- Native trees, urban gardens and Noisy Miners article from SMH
- Recording of baby Miner at Freesound.
