One point that I omitted to mention in my previous reply was that
although size may occasionally be a determinant in Noisy Miners' bird
identification, it is obviously not always the case. These birds seem
to have no problems recognising a smallish, male Collared Sparrowhawk
but are quite comfortable with the passage overhead of a Raven, or
large duck.
Additionally they appear to be able to differentiate between a
Sparrowhawk, a species that tends to induce an almost terminal panic
amongst some species of honeyeater, and say a Whistling Kite, whose
presence often seems to promote only mild interest.
If I am correct, why is it so?
Andy
I made what I thought was an interesting observation relating to honeyeater
alarm calls. I was alerted to a large mixed flock (15-20 birds) of New
Holland and White-cheeked Honeyeaters when they collectively sounded alarm
calls. Looking up I saw a Whistling Kite overhead. Later after the Kite had
moved on, and the calls had subsided, the cacophony recommenced. Thinking
the Kite had returned I looked up and observed an Australian Pelican. I had
good views so I was sure there was no Kite in the vicinity.
I have heard that Noisy Miners give specific calls depending on the type of
raptor, so in this case how could the HE have got it so wrong. This begs the
question, do birds recognise raptors/predators or do they react to the size
and behaviour of the potential predator? In this case the pelican was
circling and may not have appeared too dissimilar to a White-bellied Sea
eagle (which were also evident in the location), but I am not aware that Sea
eagles take passerines as prey.
I look forward to your comments.
Regards
Alastair
____________________________
Alastair Smith
Manager
Law Enforcement Liaison
National Coordinator Child Pornography
Phone: 02 6275 6726
Mob: 0401 993 381
Fax: 02 6275 6996
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