Brown-throated sunbird explained

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.^[1]

Taxonomy

The following subspecies are recognised:^[2]

• A. m. malacensis (Scopoli, 1786) – mainland Southeast Asia, Sumatra and satellite islands, most of Borneo aside from the north, Java and Bali
• A. m. anambae Oberholser, 1917 – Anambas Islands
• A. m. erixanthus Oberholser, 1932 – Natuna Islands
• A. m. bornensis Riley, 1920 – north Borneo
• A. m. mjobergi Bangs & Peters, JL, 1927 – Maratua
• A. m. paraguae Riley, 1920 – Palawan
• A. m. heliolusius Oberholser, 1923 – Mindanao
• A. m. wiglesworthi Hartert, 1902 – Sulu Archipelago
• A. m. iris Parkes, 1971 – Sibutu Islands
• A. m. chlorigaster Sharpe, 1877 – Western Visayas
• A. m. cagayanensis Mearns, 1905 – Mapun
• A. m. heliocalus Oberholser, 1923 – Sangihe and Siau
• A. m. celebensis Shelley, 1878 – Sulawesi and satellite islands
  • A. m. extremus Mees, 1966 – Banggai and Sula A. m. convergens Rensch, 1929 – Lombok to Alor
• A. m. rubrigena Rensch, 1931 – Sumba

Description

The brown-throated sunbird is a relatively large, heavy sunbird with a thick bill. Measuring some 14cm (06inches) in length, it has a mass of 7.4–, 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.

Gallery

References

• 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.

Notes and References

1. 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.
2. Web site: Dippers, leafbirds, flowerpeckers, sunbirds – IOC World Bird List . 2023-01-28 . www.worldbirdnames.org.