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ANIMAL SPECIES:Noisy Miner

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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.

Identification

The Common Myna is quite different in plumage (mostly dark brown) and, although it has similar facial markings, belongs to the starling family while the miners belong to the honeyeaters.

Size range

28 cm

Similar Species

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)

Habitat

Urban and rural areas, forests and woodlands

Behaviour and adaptations

Feeding and Diet

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.

Communication

Loud 'pwee pwee pwee' and a piping 'pee pee pee'when alarmed.

Life cycle

Noisy Miners breed in colonies from July to December and several broods may be reared in this time. The female constructs the nest and incubates the eggs alone, but both sexes will care for and feed the young birds. Additional 'helpers' also feed the young. Interestingly, these helpers are almost always male birds.

Classification

Species:
melanocephala
Genus:
Manorina
Family:
Meliphagidae
Order:
Passeriformes
Class:
Aves
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?


Last Updated: 5 March 2009

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