Wednesday 25 February 2015

Wild Bird Wednesday 137 - Noisy Miner.

Back to a more conventional WBW this week!

This bird is a Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala) and while its a rather splendid looking bird it presence is not always welcome.

The scientific name refers to both the birds large nostrils and its back head - both of which can be seen in these pictures.

What the picture does not show is that this bird is both colonial and aggressive, meaning that if a colony does become established in an area it can be very bad news for other species.  This species is also had home in a range of habitats - including ones that have become somewhat degraded.  All in all this leads to as species that can 'take over' isolated patches of habitat to the exclusion of other species.  This is especially a problem in the fragmented habits we often find in urban or urban fringe areas.

All this is a bit of a shame really, as it is a rather splendid looking bird!



Now its your turn - and remember that all kinds, styles and levels of technique are welcome here - and I would encourage people to visit as many of the links as possible!

Last weeks WBW was the most populus (in terms of links) for a while - so feel free to invite as many birders as possible.

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56 comments:

  1. TexWisGirl25 February 2015 at 03:04

    it is a snappy looking bird!

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  2. eileeninmd25 February 2015 at 03:07

    Stewart, it is a cool looking bird. I would love to see it someday.. It is sad that is causes so many problems for the other species.. Great post and images. Thanks for hosting, enjoy your day!

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  3. Modesto Viegas25 February 2015 at 03:08

    His face is really aggressive!!!
    Good photo!

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  4. EG CameraGirl25 February 2015 at 03:15

    Handsome bird. I guess there are bullies in the bird world just like in the human one.

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  5. Findlay Wilde25 February 2015 at 03:25

    You can see in it's eyes that it is very determined can't you.

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  6. Mary Howell Cromer25 February 2015 at 03:47

    Their eyes are amazing. Thank you for hosting Stewart~

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  7. Karen25 February 2015 at 03:54

    He is a sharp looking bird!

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  8. theconstantwalker25 February 2015 at 04:01

    It's a beautiful bird Stewart...

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  9. Bethany Carson25 February 2015 at 04:05

    The yellow really makes his eyes stand out.

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  10. FAB25 February 2015 at 04:08

    Inquisitive looking species. They obviously share similar traits as our Ring-necked Parakeets!!

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  11. Adam Jones25 February 2015 at 04:21

    It's a good looking bird, but glad we don't have them here.

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  12. Sharon Wagner25 February 2015 at 04:28

    It does have great eyes.

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  13. Author R. Mac Wheeler25 February 2015 at 04:30

    It is a splendid looking bird. I'd like to see it try to poach on a blue jay's territory. They're pretty domineering themselves. :)

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  14. Janet Shaw25 February 2015 at 04:51

    Love the eyes!

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  15. Ela25 February 2015 at 05:47

    Just a gorgeous bird ! His eyes are amazing !

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  16. Andrea @ From The Sol25 February 2015 at 05:53

    He looks like a cartoon character ... a villainous one :) I agree that it is a shame that their habits are so destructive because they would be great fun to observe on a regular basis. Where were you when you spotted these? Hopefully not near your home. Have a good week, Stewart ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  17. thewovenspoke25 February 2015 at 06:06

    A very interesting bird and facts about its behavior , that's what makes WBW so fun to follow. Thanks for hosting.

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  18. Bas.25 February 2015 at 06:19

    wel een hele aparte vogel.

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  19. Rebecca25 February 2015 at 07:25

    I agree it is a great looking bird, but doesn't sound like it coexists that well with others...
    Thanks for hosting. - Have a great week!

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  20. Carletta25 February 2015 at 07:31

    He is a stellar looking bird with a bad rep! :)

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  21. Hootin Anni25 February 2015 at 07:32

    Love the colors and dappling of yellow here and there.

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  22. Linda W.25 February 2015 at 07:46

    I like the yellow accents on this bird. Nice photos!

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  23. Maude Lynn25 February 2015 at 07:57

    It is a gorgeous bird!

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  24. Adam Tilt25 February 2015 at 08:36

    A real shame Stewart as they're a lovely looking bird.

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  25. Margaret Birding For Pleasure25 February 2015 at 08:59

    I always think this bird looks like it has 'attitude'. Thank you for linking me in.

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  26. Anonymous25 February 2015 at 09:08

    Sharp-looking bird. Love those yellow patches.

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  27. Rohrerbot25 February 2015 at 09:11

    Love that little yellow mark behind the eye. Very interesting looking bird.

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  28. This N That25 February 2015 at 09:42

    Strange looking bird..Kinda crow like..Love the yellow accents..Very mysterious eyes..Super pics!!

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  29. Brian King25 February 2015 at 10:57

    Love these guys! The yellow behind the eyes is fantastic!

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  30. mick25 February 2015 at 11:46

    Nice photos of the Noisy Miners. I have even had them scold me and try to chase me out of their territory!

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  31. Anonymous25 February 2015 at 12:23

    It is a gorgeous bird!

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  32. Susan25 February 2015 at 14:12

    Very attractive bird, love the eyes. Such a shame it has the potential to create problems for others. Fantastic shots, Stewart! Thank you for hosting!

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  33. betty-NZ25 February 2015 at 14:40

    That's quite a pretty bird. It's a shame it's such a bully! But, that's just life, I guess.

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  34. CountryMouse25 February 2015 at 17:42

    We have a different looking miner bird up here, maybe Indian? It is still a miner bird though and they are well known for being a bit of a pest everywhere no matter the type.

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  35. Breathtaking25 February 2015 at 18:30

    Hello Stewart!:) What a cracking looking bird! Those eyes are so unusual. I's shame that they have a bad reputation.

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  36. Unknown25 February 2015 at 18:33

    A very pretty bird with the yellow eye shadow.

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  37. Irma25 February 2015 at 19:33

    Hi Stewart,
    What a beautiful bird, and what a beautiful eyes.
    Perfect photographed, my compliments.
    Have a nice day.
    Best regards, Irma

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  38. Nathailes SANTA MARIA25 February 2015 at 20:26

    Superbe cet oiseau, bravo et merci

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  39. Small City Scenes25 February 2015 at 20:27

    What an interesting bird. Too bad it is such a nasty thing.
    MB

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  40. Optimistic Existentialist26 February 2015 at 00:59

    I love the yellow patch around his eye. So cool!!

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  41. Mary Hone26 February 2015 at 02:06

    He is rather handsome. Too bad they are so mean.

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  42. JOY @ http://joysjotsshots.blogspot.com/26 February 2015 at 03:27

    Thank-you for hosting. Really enjoy checking out the bird pics everyone shares.

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  43. DeniseinVA26 February 2015 at 03:35

    A very striking looking bird, great photos!

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  44. Wally Jones26 February 2015 at 03:36

    Another very interesting post, Stewart! Not familiar with the species but those habits sound similar to the European Starling and House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).

    As you point out, great looking bird!

    Enjoy the rest of your week!

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  45. Black Jack's Carol26 February 2015 at 05:27

    I agree, Stewart. Splendid, indeed! And wonderfully photographed! I like to trust to nature's wisdom that there is a plan that makes sense, even with some of these "sadder" stories. Many thanks for hosting! It's been a while, but always love to visit.

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  46. Phil Slade26 February 2015 at 06:04

    That's a very interesting and informative story Stewart, and not one I had heard previously. In the survival of the fittest this species seems to be doing quite well then? Unless it meets an unwilling participant along the way.

    And thanks for hosting WBW again.

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  47. jp@A Green Ridge26 February 2015 at 08:28

    Stewart, two things. First, I always thought it was a "Mina"..silly me! Second, they are so darn cute, aren't they???...:)JP

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  48. tiptoethruphylsgarden.blogspot.com26 February 2015 at 10:29

    This is a rather nice looking bird, sorry to hear of its reputation. Thankful for the info you give us & for hosting, Phyllis

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  49. magnoliasntea26 February 2015 at 11:26

    Interesting bird facts and pics. Too bad they're so aggressive. Thanks for the linkup.

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  50. Sallie (FullTime-Life)26 February 2015 at 12:29

    There are some in the edge of tht Everglades... Probably from someone letting loose illegal pets. All the invasive species seem to thrive in this area.

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  51. diane b26 February 2015 at 18:38

    We have lost many of our visiting birds due to this nuisance but they are cute.

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  52. Anonymous27 February 2015 at 01:07

    A very determined looking bird...love the eyes.

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  53. A Colorful World27 February 2015 at 07:37

    Oh I do like him so much! He's a wonderful bird!

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  54. Sheila at WolfSongBlog.Com27 February 2015 at 08:40

    Isn't that the sad way it works sometimes. Something so beautiful yet so destructive. It is a pretty bird!

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  55. Hannah1 March 2015 at 08:00

    What a fascinating bird, I haven't seen them before. The colors are very unusual, I can see it being thuggish since it doesn't seem very camouflaged, the black and yellow around the eyes looks ominous.

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  56. maryaustria1 March 2015 at 11:24

    That is a beautiful bird. I have never seen it before... Gorgeous shots!

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