Brown-throated Sunbird
About the Brown-throated Sunbird in Singapore
Last updated 29 May 2026
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The Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) is one of the most common and largest sunbirds in Singapore. They are highly adaptable residents found in forests, parks, mangroves, and even urban gardens.
Identifying features
Check out some identifying features of the Brown-throated Sunbird!
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The male Brown-throated Sunbird features an iridescent metallic green and purple back, a bright yellow belly, and the plain brown throat for which it is named. The female possesses an overall olive-green back and a plain yellow belly, lacking the metallic shine of the male. Additionally, females have red eyes (which helps distinguish them from the female Ornate Sunbird) a pale yellow eye ring, and a relatively straighter bill compared to other sunbirds.
Interested to learn more about how to identify Garden Birds? Check out our simple guide on identifying Garden Birds!
Habitat and ecology
They have specialized, tubular tongues used to drink nectar from a wide variety of tubular flowers, though they also heavily supplement their diet by catching small spiders and insects to feed their chicks.
Did you know?
Female sunbirds are master architects! They build intricate, hanging, pear-shaped pouch nests out of dry grass, dead leaves, and spider webs, often suspending them from the tips of slender branches to protect them from climbing predators.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How do I tell it apart from the Ornate Sunbird?
These two common sunbirds are often confused due to their bright yellow bellies. To tell the males apart, look at the throat: the Brown-throated features a plain, matte brown throat, whereas the Ornate Sunbird (formerly the Olive-backed Sunbird) sports a dark, metallic blue-black throat and chest. For females, the Ornate has a distinct pale "eyebrow" and white tail tips, both of which the Brown-throated lacks. Regardless of sex, you can also check the beak; the Brown-throated has a noticeably thicker and straighter bill compared to the Ornate's thin, highly curved, sickle-like beak.
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Join us at Garden Bird Watch!
Enjoy birdwatching, or interested to learn more about the ones you see in our parks and gardens? Join us for the Garden Bird Watch to collect valuable data about garden birds, which contributes to their conservation.
Learn more about the Brown-throated Sunbird!
Curious about the Brown-throated Sunbird? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
