The Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala) is a well named bird. It travels in family groups which are very noisy. They are also somewhat aggressive, to people and (possibly more importantly) other birds.
There used to be a pair of these birds in the car park of the local pool, and they would swoop very closely past my head, with a percussive snap of the beak and an annoyed call. Once I cam to expect this, it was not much of a problem.
However, for other birds its a bit more of a problem. Noisy Miners are much better able to cope with fragmented and damaged habitats than many other Australian birds, and this is where their aggressive nature becomes a problem. In some places they can form breeding colonies that basically drive out most of the other breeding birds. High numbers of this species are really a mark of a damaged ecosystem.
The first set of pictures - with the bird on the ground - were taken at the car park, while the last two were taken at a local cafe, where the birds were cleaning up some spilt sugar. They are nothing if not adaptable!
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There used to be a pair of these birds in the car park of the local pool, and they would swoop very closely past my head, with a percussive snap of the beak and an annoyed call. Once I cam to expect this, it was not much of a problem.
However, for other birds its a bit more of a problem. Noisy Miners are much better able to cope with fragmented and damaged habitats than many other Australian birds, and this is where their aggressive nature becomes a problem. In some places they can form breeding colonies that basically drive out most of the other breeding birds. High numbers of this species are really a mark of a damaged ecosystem.
The first set of pictures - with the bird on the ground - were taken at the car park, while the last two were taken at a local cafe, where the birds were cleaning up some spilt sugar. They are nothing if not adaptable!
always think this birds ook evil thanks for hhosting and hope you have had a great Easter.
ReplyDeletethanks for the info. I did see this bird once but did not know anything about it.
ReplyDeleteJust like people -- there are some evil birds out there. I once posted pictures of two birds we saw over near the Everglades that I couldn't find anywhere on my birding sites or books. -- Commenters told me that they were Mynah birds (very similar in looks, maybe the same one as you show, at least a close cousin). Probably caged birds that somebody let loose. (we have a big problem with invasive species in Florida.... snakes, lizards, plants and birds). Anyway, I got a comment from somebody in your country telling me how awful these birds were. I've never seen any in our subsequent trips to the National Park, so maybe these birds didn't thrive after all and that would be good.
ReplyDeleteThey sound naughty. Certainly, they are oddly beautiful, with that weird eye. And new to me.
ReplyDeleteDo birds have expressions? I think they do. If so your Noisy Miner is one of the best I've seen. The Starling family is one of the most intelligent bird families too.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteBigger than the house sparrow, but equally ubiquitous and opportunistic! YAM xx
Hello Stewart!:) Wonderful captures of the Noisy Miner bird, but I would not like this bird eye balling me! A shame it's so mean, and destructive.
ReplyDeleteI guess these are the survivors in the world we have modified so much.
ReplyDeleteHa ha it looks so angry. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeletePretty but angry looking!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing all the different birds in your part of the world.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen such a pretty bird.
ReplyDeleteHe probably does not exist here in Germany.
You have managed quite great shots.
I am very thrilled !
Despite their drawbacks, they're awesome looking birds! Love the eyes!
ReplyDeleteOddly pretty bird with all the yellow bits.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI am here for the first time.
Thanks for hosting; I hope I did all correctly.
Needless to say, the Noisy Miner is new to me: it is very pretty.
Have a good day!
Luisella
Beautiful pictures...
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't look like a very nice bird, yet it is beautiful. Love the bright yellow.
ReplyDeleteStewart, although I've never seen a Miner Bird, they are quite attractive. Right now, as I type, I am listening to what sounds like a screaming bird in the halls of our time share (however, it is one f the maids children creating echos...:)...:)JP
ReplyDeleteStewart, colorful little guy. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love the yellow behind their eyes! What fascinating birds! Fun photos!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
ReplyDeleteThe noisy miner is a cool looking bird!
ReplyDeleteNeat looking birds.
ReplyDeleteThe fourteenth tee on a local golf course has a huge colony of bungies in the near trees. I'm thinking of their riot of noise. Distracting when you're concentrating on your drive.
That yellow (skin ?) patch behind the eye is striking. They bear a resemblance to the mynahs which have invaded south Florida, relatives of the starling I can see how the unrelated minor takes to spilled sugar as they are honeyeaters. I posted late today. have been traveling on vacation and arrived late for the party!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful pictures of a very lovely bird!
ReplyDeleteQuite an unusual looking bird..Funny eyes..Great shots.Thanks for sharing....No birdies for me to share this week..
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely feathers!
ReplyDeleteWhat a comical face this bird has. Great photos.
ReplyDelete