Anthreptes_malacensis

Brown-throated sunbird

Brown-throated sunbird

Species of bird

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]

Quick Facts Conservation status, Scientific classification ...

Taxonomy

The following subspecies are recognised:[3]

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.

  • Male
  • Female
  • male A. m. heliocalus
  • adult A. m. heliocalus
  • male
  • adult A. m. heliocalus
  • adult A. m. heliocalus
  • Juvenile, female A. m. heliocalus
  • juvenile A. m. heliocalus

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Anthreptes malacensis.
  1. [1]
    BirdLife International (2016). "Anthreptes malacensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T103792612A94542270. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T103792612A94542270.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. [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
  3. [3]
    "Dippers, leafbirds, flowerpeckers, sunbirds – IOC World Bird List". www.worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 2023-01-28.
  • 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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