IUCN Least Concern (LC)
Noisy Miner
Manorina melanocephala
The Noisy Miner is a bold and curious bird and one of our most controversial backyard birds. These native honeyeaters are often confused with the introduced Common Myna, despite it belonging to the starling family, while miners are honeyeaters.
The Noisy Miner is identified by its mostly grey body and black crown and cheeks. The bill is yellow, as are the legs and the naked skin behind the eye. The name is well suited as the common calls are uttered repeatedly by the members of the colony.
A loud 'pwee pwee pwee' and a piping 'pee pee pee' when alarmed.
Bird call recorded by: Marc Anderson
Noisy Miners are found in woodlands and open forests. They have also become well adapted to suburban situations and are a common sight in parks and gardens.
Distribution map
Despite their moderate size, Noisy Miners aggressively attack larger birds such as hawks and kookaburras. These attacks may be so vigorous that most other birds are excluded from an area occupied by Noisy Miners.
The Noisy Miner feeds on nectar, fruits and insects. Very occasionally they will eat small reptiles and amphibians. Food is either taken from trees or on the ground. In keeping with its highly social nature, the Noisy Miner usually feeds in large groups.
Noisy Miners breed in small to large colonies and several broods may be reared during a single season. The female constructs the nest and incubates the eggs alone, but both sexes will care for and feed the young birds. Additional ‘helpers’ usually also feed the young. Interestingly, these helpers are almost always male birds.
IUCN status reflects the conservation status of this species globally.
