Does anyone know (from experience) what native birds and/or animals eat the fruit of Acmena smithii and Syzigium alatorumulum( Tinkling Satinash)? I grow both and am yet to see anything grazing on the fruits.
My Queensland Heart tree (Omalanthus populifolius)is a veritable supermarket for lots of bird species. I'd like to grow more plants which are good seasonal food sources for our suffering wildlife. Any other suggestions for well-patronised plants will be welcome (except hybrid grevilleas, as we already have an year-round oversupply of rainbow lorikeets in the area). I live in the Illawarra (coastal NSW).
Breynia oblongifolia is very popular with Brown Pigeons. I haven't seen anything eat my lillypilles, though. I think that the problem with might be that our "bird-attracting" gardens have focussed heavily on nectar production. It's great to see native birds returning to gardens, but so far we get more nectar-eaters than anything else. The native fruit-eaters have retreated with the rainforest, and may not find their way back to the suburbs unless you are in an area where a goodly number of like-minded souls are providing food for them. We probably need more fruit varieties for year-round supply, too. There are lots of suitable garden species among the dry rainforest trees and shrubs. Bird-feeders are typically filled with seed, attracting a second range of birds. Occasionally we see people whose bird-feeders are filled daily with fresh fruit. I've seen koels come to these and have been told they attract a range of things but can't remember what. Getting balanced bird populations is something we native plant growers could work on. Trish
I hear various birds hanging out in two 5m syzygiums beside our patio so presumably they appreciate the shelter and maybe insects. Included are two butcher birds who have been putting the word on me for a handout. I caved in twice (one came in the kitchen and was apprehended on the draining rack; it had to bribed out with meat) but have now hardened my heart. These trees don't fruit heavily and I haven't spotted anything eating fruit.
Agree on easing back on the nectar producers and remembering to provide small bird habitat. Rose
