Blush Mahang: A forest tree often frequented by birds…

I have often seen this tree but not appreciated its value to birds.

I have not been able to identify it and appreciate any ideas/support.

It is a tree that grows as part of secondary forest and prefers good sun. It is of medium height and grows up to 3-5 meters (above). It has large leaves with unusual small fruit which has ‘horns’ (below). There is a sap which has aromatic fragrance. Many birds come to feed on the fruit found inside the casing, which is small, round, berry like and black.

Birds observed feeding on fruit of this tree:

1. Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus pattani)
2. Yellow Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier analis)
3. Stripe-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus finlaysoni finlaysoni)
4. Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus brunneus brunneus)
5. Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis strigata)
6. Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis musicus)
7. Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis maculatus)
8. Pin-striped Tit Babbler (Macronus gularis gularis)
9. Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (Ficedula zanthopygia)
10. Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica)
11. Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica indica) – feeds on fallen fruit

Based on the above photos, Ibrahim Ali, who was previously with the National Parks Board, Singapore, kindly identified the tree as a possible Blush Mahang (Macaranga tanarius).

Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr)

Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Habitat: Secondary growth at fringe of city

Date: September-October 2018

Equipment: Nikon D500 SLR with Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD, handheld