How Silvereyes can be a pest in Western Australia
Marri trees are valued for their white summer blossoms, large gum nuts, and ability to indicate fertile soil for viticulture. The sweet nectar of the marri blossom attracts silvereyes, which also find shelter in the tree’s dense canopy.
However, silvereyes also have a taste for wine grapes, causing problems for viticulturists, especially when the marri trees are not flowering. Silvereyes peck holes in the grapes to drink the moisture, which can lead to infection and further damage.
The number of silvereyes varies from year to year, depending on the marri blossom production. The proximity of vineyards to marri bushland can also affect the level of bird pressure on the grapes. Some grapegrowers have reported losing a significant portion of their crop to birds.
Despite the damage they cause, many viticulturists value marri trees as indicators of good vineyard sites.