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| Yellow-throated Miner Julia Creek Queensland |
As soon as I ventured
into the shade of the eucalypt growing beside the creek at the RV rest area
near Julia Creek a group of Yellow-throated Miners (Manorina flavigula) began their alarm call. They
were content merely to make a lot of noise and did not swoop. They flew away to other trees where they
called incessantly, but although I looked closely I could not see a nest. No doubt it was there.
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| Yellow-throated Miner Julia Creek Queensland |
In spite of their
pugnacious behaviour Yellow-throated miners are only a medium size bird 26 to
28 centimetres (10-11.0 inches for non-metric persons) from bill tip to
tail tip. Their range overlaps with the
range of the Noisy Miners along the central Queensland coast and in the east of
the state. The Miners in my yard at
Bucasia are definitely of the Noisy variety.
We are experiencing an
eruption of grasshoppers, locusts and other insects at the moment. Every step in some areas raises swarms of
grasshoppers, moths and other insects.
Yellow throated Miners enjoy a varied diet. So the availability of flowering gums and a diversity
of insects with nearby water is an ideal space for them to raise a family.
They are an easy to
identify bird and no doubt many a weary traveller, stepping out of the vehicle
for a break and a moment of peace has been startled into instantaneous
awareness by the sudden hysterical calling of these birds.
Claire Wood
Email: JustClaireWood@gmail.com
The usual useful websites are listed below for those who want further information about these birds:
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Manorina-flavigula
http://birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/yellow-throated-miner
And of course Graeme Chapman's wonderful bird photography is here:
http://www.graemechapman.com.au/library/viewphotos.php?c=335
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