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.

56 comments:

  1. 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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  2. His face is really aggressive!!!
    Good photo!

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

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

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  5. Their eyes are amazing. Thank you for hosting Stewart~

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  6. The yellow really makes his eyes stand out.

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

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

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  9. 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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  10. Just a gorgeous bird ! His eyes are amazing !

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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. 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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  14. He is a stellar looking bird with a bad rep! :)

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  15. Love the colors and dappling of yellow here and there.

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

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

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

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  19. Sharp-looking bird. Love those yellow patches.

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

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

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

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  23. 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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  24. It is a gorgeous bird!

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  25. 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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  26. 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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  27. 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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  28. 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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  29. A very pretty bird with the yellow eye shadow.

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

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

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

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

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  35. A very striking looking bird, great photos!

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  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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  37. 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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  38. 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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  39. 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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  40. 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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  41. Interesting bird facts and pics. Too bad they're so aggressive. Thanks for the linkup.

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

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

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

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

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

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