Manorina melanocephala
Description
The Noisy Miner is a mostly light grey bird with black crown and cheeks, yellow bill and legs and naked skin behind the eyes, only reaching a moderate size of 28cm.
Distribution
Noisy miners are found in woodlands, open forests and have adapted well to urban cities and are a very common site in gardens.
Habits & Habitat
Despite their size they are extremely aggressive, attacking other birds for food, such that they may be debilitated to the point of causing fatal injuries. Some birds will not occupy an area where noisy miners nest because of their aggressive nature. Being sociable with their own kind, they live and feed in large groups. When alarmed their call is heard throughout the colony by a loud 'pwee pwee'. They breed in colonies from July to December with several broods. The female will build the nest and incubate the eggs but both sexes will feed the young. Noisy miners feed on nectar from native flowers, fruits and insects, even small reptiles on occasion. In spring and summer, when leaving their nest and are still learning to fly, a large number of fledglings can be found on the ground. Usually if safely placed back in tree near parents they will continue to feed and take care of their young.
Links and References
Reader's Digest (1986), "Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds"