Orange-bellied Leafbird taking fruits

Adrian Lim documented an Orange-bellied Leafbird (Chloropsis hardwickii) from Awana, Malaysia eating the fruits of (?) Macaranga ginantea.

This bird is a common resident of the lower and upper montane forests of Peninsular Malaysia. It is seen in the forest canopy and forest edge, entering secondary forests and other wooded areas, parks and gardens within the altitude range.

It feeds on insects, flower nectar and a wide range of fruits. Wells (2007) reports that it squeezes soft fruits between its bill with the tongue working to take the juice; the fruit rind is then discardes.

According to Adrian, this Orange-bellied Leafbird can be seen licking nectar from flowers. Up in Awana, it is this sticky fruit that forms part of the source of food of the bird.

Reference:
Wells, D.R., 2007. The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. II, Passerines. Christopher Helm, London. 800 pp.

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