Bird Guide

Bell Miner

Manorina melanophrys

Least ConcernEndemicInvertebratesForestCup nestSmall · 30 g

About the Bell Miner

The bell miner or bellbird is a colonial honeyeater, endemic to southeastern Australia. The common name refers to their bell-like call. "Miner" is an old alternative spelling of "myna", and is shared with other members of the genus Manorina. The birds feed almost exclusively on the dome-like coverings, referred to as lerps, of certain psyllid bugs.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

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Bell miners are the smallest of their genus, and differ from the other three predominantly grey miner species in having olive-green plumage, darker on the wings and yellower on the belly. They are a medium bodied honeyeater, slightly smaller and stockier than a Lewin's honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii), weighing between 25 g and 35 g (average 29 g). Bell miners are 17.5–20 cm in length (average 18.5 cm) with a 22–30 cm wingspan (average 26.5 cm). They have the characteristic yellow bill of the miners, which is slightly downturned.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Bell Miner sounds like

Recording: James Ray · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: James Ray · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where the Bell Miner lives

Regular range

When to see the Bell Miner

Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Bell Miner vs Noisy Miner · Bell Miner vs Yellow-throated Miner

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