Manorina melanocephala

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Family

Meliphagidae

Genus

Manorina

Species

melanocephala

Common Names

Noisy Miner, Micky, Soldier Bird

Distinguishing Features

The Noisy Miner is a medium sized bird of 24-29cm with a loud and conspicuous nature. It has a mostly flecked grey body with a black crown and distinctive bright yellow patches behind the eye, a yellow beak and yellow legs.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A loud 'pwee pwee pwee' and a piping 'pee pee pee' when alarmed.

Similar Species

The Noisy Miner is often confused with the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis ) due to their similar shape and facial markings.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Populations are increasing with urban development sprawl.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999. It has been reported as a 'winner' from settlement and has contributed to other birds becoming 'losers'.

LSCCES Population

The bird was found over the entire survey area, with highest values on the ANU Campus, Civic West and low values in Turner. Since the 2002-3 surveys, the species has expanded its range and strengthened its population on the ANU Campus.

Associated vegetation community

Noisy Miners live at the edge of open woodland, preferring areas where the understorey vegetation has been removed. They have become well adapted to the urban environment, thriving around urban parks and golf courses.

Limiting Resources

This species depends upon on thick nectar and berry producing vegetation. However, it is aggressive enough to defend areas of high resources and does not have a problem finding ample food and shelter.

Breeding

Noisy Miners breed in large colonies, nesting from October, with dependant young observed from October to January in the Canberra region. The female builds a nest of twigs, bark, leaves and spiderwebs in a tree or bush up to 20m high and incubates the 2-3 eggs of a light colour with red-brown speckles. Both parents care for the young.

Behaviour

Noisy Miners are extremely social birds, spending most of their time in large groups, establishing colonies and aggressively excluding virtually all other birds. They have become dominant over other bird species especially in areas where humans have disturbed the original landscape.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

The Noisy Miner usually feeds in large groups on nectar, fruits and insects. Very occasionally they will eat small reptiles and amphibians.

Predators

Noisy Minors are aggressive and are less prone to attacks from domestic pets or feral wildlife than other species.

Interesting Fact

Although relatively small, Noisy Miners aggressively attack larger birds such as hawks and Kookaburras (Dacelo novaeguineae ) for dominance over a site.