Anthreptes malacensis
The Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) is a vibrant and widespread passerine, immediately identifiable by the adult male's striking plumage. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm in length and weighing 8-12 grams, males boast iridescent green upperparts, a distinguishing dull brown or dusky throat, bright yellow underparts, and often a violet-blue patch on the shoulder. Females, by contrast, exhibit more muted olive-green upperparts and yellow underparts, lacking the iridescent element...
Primarily found in a variety of lowland and coastal habitats, including forest edges, mangroves, secondary growth, gardens, parks, and plantations, typically at elevations below 1,000 meters.
Feeds primarily on nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught in mid-air.
Brown-throated Sunbirds are diurnal and highly active, typically observed singly or in pairs as they flit between flowers and foliage. Their foraging strategy involves actively probing blossoms for nectar with their specialized brush-tipped tongues, often hovering briefly but more commonly perchi...
The Brown-throated Sunbird has an extensive resident range across much of Southeast Asia, from southern Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, south through the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and Brunei. It is also widely distributed across the major islands of Indonesia, including Sumatra,...
Least Concern
- The Brown-throated Sunbird is one of the most widespread and common sunbird species across Southeast Asia, often thriving in human-altered landscapes. - Its common name perfectly describes the adult male's unique plumage: a dull brown throat patch that contrasts sharply with iridescent green up...