New species observed feeding on Giant Mahang fruit

I saw two new bird species feeding on the fruit of a Giant Mahang (Macaranga gigantea) that was located on a trail in primary forest. The fruit of the Giant Mahang attracts many birds and mammals. The Giant Mahang is a towering tree when fully grown at 15-20 metres with a spreading crown.

Checker-throated Woodpecker

I observed a pair of Checker-throated Woodpecker (Yellownaped) Chrysophlegma (mentale) humii feeding extensively on Giant Mahang fruit. In the past I have observed 2 other woodpeckers, the Crimson-winged and Banded Woodpecker, feeding on this fruit.

I also saw a number of White-bellied Erpornis (Erpornis zantholeuca) enjoying the fruit.

Many other birds were present including Purple-naped Sunbird/Spiderhunters, Grey-breasted Spiderhunters, Hume’s White-eye and many Bulbul species.

 White-bellied Erpornis

Birds that I have personally observed feeding on the Giant Mahang (Macaranga gigantea) fruit include:

1. Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)
2. Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot (Loriculus galgulus)
3. Crimson-winged Woodpecker (Picus puniceus observandus)
4. Banded Woodpecker (Picus miniaceus malaccense)
5. Checker-throated Woodpecker/Yellownaped (Chrysophlegma mentale humii)
6. Sooty Barbet (Caloramphus hayii)
7. Red-throated Barbet (Megalaima mystacophanos mystacophanos)
8. Gold-whiskered Barbet (Megalaima chrysopogon laeta)
9. Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus malayanus)
10. Buff-vented Bulbul (Iole charlottae)
11. Cream-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus simplex simplex)
12. Olive-winged Bulbul (Pycnonotus plumosus plumosus)
13. Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus brunneus)
14. Spectacled Bulbul (Pycnonotus erythropthalmus)
15. Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier gourdini)
16. Scaly-Breasted Bulbul (Pycnonotus squamatus)
17. Asian Fairy Bluebird (Irena puella malayensis)
18. Greater Green Leafbird (Chloropsis sonnerati zosterops)
19. Blue-winged Leafbird (Chloropsis cochinchinensis moluccensis)
20. Green Iora (Aegithina viridissima)
21. White-bellied Erpornis (Erpornis zantholeuca)
22. Ashy Minivet (Pericrocotus divaricatus divaricatus)
23. Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis musicus)
24. Orange-headed Thrush (Zoothera citrina)
25. Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis strigata)
26. Lesser Cuckooshrike (Lalage fimbriata)
27. Mugimaki Flycatcher (Ficedula mugimaki)
28. Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (Ficedula zanthopygia)
29. Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica)
30. Green-backed Flycatcher (Narcissus Flycatcher, Ficedula narcissina elisae)
31. Verditer Flycatcher (Eumyias thalassinus thalassoides)
32. Hume’s White-eye (Zosterops auriventer)
33. Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta)
34. Spectacled Spiderhunter (Arachnothera flavigaster)
35. Yellow-eared Spiderhunter (Arachnothera chrysogenys chrysogenys)
36. Purple-naped Sunbird (Hypogramma hypogrammicum)
37. Ruby-cheeked Sunbird (Anthreptes singalensis interposita)
38. Plain Sunbird (Anthreptes simplex)
39. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma)
40. Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker (Prionochilus percussus)
41. Other unidentified Sunbirds & Flowerpeckers
42. Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus infortunatus)

Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr) – Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

20th January 2022