Brown-throated sunbird

The brown-throated sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis), also known as the plain-throated sunbird, is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in a wide range of semi-open habitats in south-east Asia, ranging from Myanmar to the Lesser Sundas and west Philippines. The grey-throated sunbird found in the remaining part of the Philippines is often considered a subspecies of the brown-throated sunbird, but the two differ consistently in measurements and plumage, and there is no evidence of intergradation between them.[2]

Brown-throated sunbird
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Nectariniidae
Genus: Anthreptes
Species:
A. malacensis
Binomial name
Anthreptes malacensis
(Scopoli, 1786)

Description

The brown-throated sunbird is a relatively large, heavy sunbird with a thick bill. Measuring some 14 centimetres (5.5 in) in length, it has a mass of 7.4–13.5 g (0.26–0.48 oz), with males averaging slightly larger than females.

Like most sunbirds, the male brown-throated sunbird is more colourful than the female. The male has iridescent green and purple upperparts with chestnut on the wing-coverts and scapulars; it is primarily yellow below. The female is olive-green above and yellowish below.

Behaviour

The brown-throated sunbird primarily feeds on nectar, but it will also take small fruits and berries. Juveniles are fed with insects.

References

  1. BirdLife International. 2016. Anthreptes malacensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T103792612A94542270. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T103792612A94542270.en. Downloaded on 15 March 2019.
  2. Cheke, R. A., & Mann, C. F. (2008). Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis). pp. 247 in: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Christie, D. A. eds. (2008). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 13. Penduline-tits to Shrikes. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. ISBN 978-84-96553-45-3
  • Cheke, Robert A., Mann, Clive F., & Allen, Richard. (2001). Sunbirds: A Guide to the Sunbirds, Flowerpeckers, Spiderhunters and Sugarbirds of the World. Christopher Helm, London. pp. 184–186.


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