Manorina melanotis
The Black-eared Miner is a controversial bird, as many taxonomists have considered it a species, a subspecies or a morphological variant of the Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula. However, recent morphological, behavioural, ecological and genetic evidence suggests that the Black-eared Miner is a distinct species.
Black-eared Miners were once considered either common or locally common within their mallee habitat prior to 1940. However, there have been few recent records in Victoria and NSW, and the last stronghold of the species is in South Australia, particularly the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve and adjoining Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve.
Black-eared Miners mainly feed on invertebrates and lerp (the sugary exudate produced by psyllids). Nectar from Eucalyptus spp., Eromophila spp. and Grevillea huegelii is also taken.
Black-eared Miners breed opportunistically when conditions are suitable. Breeding appears to be linked to elevated insect activity, lerp abundance and flowering following rainfall in mild to warm seasons.
Like other members of the genus, Black-eared Miners are colonial. Breeding is co-operative with up to 12 juvenile and adult non-breeding individuals (helpers) assisting at a nest. Colonies function as a whole to repel potential predators and other intruders.
The major reason for decline of the Black-eared Miner is that their primary habitat on fertile soils has been cleared. This has allowed the closely related Yellow-throated Miner to interbreed with Black-eared Miners, causing genetic swamping. Fire is a major threat to the remaining colonies, as these birds require mature mallee eucalypt woodland that has not been burnt for at least 55 years. Most remaining habitat in Victoria and NSW has been burnt far more frequently than this.
According to the Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000, the Black-eared Miner is endangered.
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Conservation 
