The bell miner, commonly known as the 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 'bell lerps', of certain psyllid bugs that feed on eucalyptus sap from the leaves. The psyllids make these bell lerps from their own honeydew secretions in order to protect themselves from predators and the environment.
Region
Southeast Australia
Typical Environment
Found in moist eucalypt forests, especially along sheltered gullies and riparian corridors with dense midstory. They favor patches with continuous canopy and thick understorey (often tea-tree, lantana, or other shrubs) where colonies can defend resources. Colonies occupy relatively small territories that they defend vigorously year-round. They are closely tied to eucalypt foliage where psyllids and their lerps are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Bell miners live in tight-knit colonies with cooperative breeding, where non-breeding helpers assist in raising young. Their clear, chiming bell-like calls often ring out in chorus. By feeding on lerps of psyllid insects, they can promote psyllid outbreaks and are associated with eucalypt dieback known as Bell Miner Associated Dieback (BMAD). They are highly territorial and exclude many other small insectivorous birds from their colony areas.
Immature birds
Temperament
social and aggressively territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Lives in colonies with complex social structure and cooperative breeding; multiple helpers feed nestlings. Pairs nest within defended colony territories in dense foliage, often building cup-shaped nests. Colonies persist in the same areas for years if resources remain stable.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, resonant bell-like 'ding' or 'tink' given repeatedly, often in rhythmic sequences. Choruses from a colony can carry through forest gullies and are among the most distinctive sounds of southeastern Australian forests.
