Yellow-throated Miner

1. Pale grey crown (not black like the Noisy Miner)

2. White rump visible in flight

3. Yellow forehead and sides of throat, with a black facial mask

These birds are colonial and cooperative breeders, often raising young with the help of group members. Breeding can occur year round with main season from August-October. Nests are deep cups built in tree forks, lined with soft materials like wool or fur, and typically placed 3–6 meters above ground. Breeding peaks from late winter to summer, but can occur year-round. Their diet is varied, with about 7% invertebrates and 3% nectar, plus some fruit and seeds. They forage actively, turning over stones and leaf litter for insects, probing flowers for nectar, and sometimes joining mixed flocks with other honeyeaters. They are highly territorial and aggressive toward other birds, though generally less intensely than Noisy Miners.

Yellow-throated Miners are found across most of mainland Australia, except for the far east coast, Cape York, and the most arid central deserts. They inhabit open woodlands, mallee, acacia and eucalypt forests, and are common in parks, gardens, and farmlands in inland towns. They are active during the day, foraging from the ground to the canopy, and are often seen in small, noisy groups. Dawn is a good time to spot them as they join in communal choruses.