Manorina (Manorina) melanophrys
Bell Miner
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Meliphagidae
Genus
Manorina
Species
Manorina (Manorina) melanophrys
Status
least concern
Colours
Distinguishing features
Distinguishing features still need to be specified.
Size
- From 17 cm to 20 cm (Length of specimen)
Wingspan
- Wingspan data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
It is endemic to southeastern Australia. �� It inhabits the upper canopy of tall Eucalypt forests.
Behaviour
The birds defend their colony area communally aggressively, excluding most other passerine species. They do this in order to protect their territory from other insect-eating birds that would eat the bell lerps on which they feed. (Wikipedia)
Diet
They were given their common name because they feed almost exclusively on the dome-like coverings of certain psyllid bugs, referred to as "bell lerps," that feed on eucalyptus sap from the leaves. The "bell lerps" make these domes from their own honeydew secretions in order to protect themselves from predators and the environment. They are also very likely to be named after their bell-like call.
