I recently visited The Gap in Brisbane, Queensland. Every morning, as the sun came up, Noisy Friarbirds visited the flowering Grevilleas outside our window. 

For the most part, the Noisy Friarbirds did live up to their name: they were noisy. Funnily enough, though, there’s not much Noisy Friarbird noise in the above video. I did take another video in the same location, of a Pale-headed Rosella this time. And, again funnily enough, in that video you don’t hear the Rosella but you do hear the Noisy Friarbirds (and other birds) in the background.

Noisy Friarbirds aren’t the prettiest of birds. Their body and wings are attractive in a quiet way, but the head looks as if it belongs on a dinosaur! The video and this photo give a nice view of the bump at the top of the bird’s beak, the bare skin and exposed ear, and that red eye:

Common name: Noisy Friarbird
Scientific name: Philemon corniculatus
Approximate length: 30-35 cm
Date spotted: 6 July 2024 (winter)
Location: The Gap, Brisbane, Queensland (approximate map reference)