Philemon corniculatus

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Family

Meliphagidae

Genus

Philemon

Species

corniculatus

Common Names

Noisy Friarbird, Leatherhead, Four-o'clock, Knobbynose, Monk, Pimlico, Poor Soldier

Distinguishing Features

Its naked black head and strong beak with a large bump at the base readily distinguish the Noisy Friarbird from other birds. The plumage is mostly grey-brown on top with light creamy underparts.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A continuous goose-like honking, or sharp 'owk!-owk!'.

Similar Species

The Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera curunculata) is similarly sized and can look similar in flight, but lacks the square tail, unstreaked belly and distinctive black head.

Distribution

The Noisy Friarbird is found right across the eastern side of the Australian mainland, from far north Queensland to central Victoria. It is also found in southern Papua New Guinea.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

The population numbers are fairly consistent (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999. Numbers appear to be decreasing to the west of their range and in the far north.

LSCCES Population

The birds were found in fairly high numbers in Turner, with a few in Civic West and ANU.

Associated vegetation community

The Noisy Friarbird will exist in open forest, woodland, and heath, along river edges in dry regions or mangroves.

Limiting Resources

This species depends upon a good availability of fruiting and nectar-bearing trees. The growing number of local Red Wattlebirds (Anthochaera curunculata) keeps down their numbers in the Canberra region, as they compete for resources.

Breeding

Three eggs are usually laid to a life-long breeding pair. The eggs are oval shaped and coloured pink-brown with lavender spots. Their nest is built on an outer tree branch, made of bark, wool and other fibres, placed from 3-10 metres from the ground. The female incubates eggs for around 18 days. Young are fed by both parents for a further 18 days. In the Canberra region, nest building starts from late September and dependant young are recorded from November to February, and are easily identified by their calling.

Behaviour

Noisy Friarbirds are a common migrant to Canberra over the summer months, spending most of their time up in tall trees feeding on nectar in noisy flocks. They capture flying insects with spectacular manoeuvring skills. They compete with the Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera curunculata) and the two species display aggressive behaviour towards one another. The Friarbird will also display aggression towards humans who are close to their nest.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

The Noisy Friarbird eats nectar, fruit, insects and other invertebrates and sometimes eggs or baby birds.

Predators

The Common Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea ) may visit the nest of the Noisy Friarbird, pushing out its young. The Friarbird can become a predator itself, known for taking the eggs and young of Common Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris ).

Interesting Fact

Some of the Noisy Friarbird's honks sound like the words 'tobacco' or 'four-o-clock'. Its baldhead may be the reason the species migrates out of Canberra for the winter, as it is not protected against the colder temperatures.