Brown-throated Sunbird

Overview

The brown-throated sunbird, 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 across south-east Asia, extending from Myanmar to the Lesser Sundas and the western Philippines.

Identification

• A relatively large, heavy sunbird measuring approximately 14 centimetres in length with a thick bill.
• Males possess iridescent green and purple upperparts with chestnut on the wing-coverts and scapulars, and are primarily yellow below.
• Females are olive-green above and yellowish below, making them less colourful than the males.
• Males are on average slightly larger than females, with a mass ranging from 7.4–13.5 g.

Habitat

The species occupies a wide range of semi-open habitats throughout south-east Asia, spanning from Myanmar to the Lesser Sundas and the western Philippines. The grey-throated sunbird found in the remainder of the Philippines is often considered a subspecies, though it differs consistently in measurements and plumage with no evidence of intergradation.

Diet

The bird primarily feeds on nectar but also consumes small fruits and berries. Juveniles are fed insects.

Did you know?

The grey-throated sunbird found in the remainder of the Philippines is often classified as a subspecies of the brown-throated sunbird, despite consistent differences in measurements and plumage and a lack of evidence for intergradation between the two.