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Birds · Sumatera · Java

Brown-throated Sunbird

Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis). The brown-throated sunbird uses semi-open Southeast Asian habitats; flower visits and bill shape can be observed without assuming every visit pollinates a plant.

Updated Facts checked Anthreptes malacensisEditorial standards

Compiled from the listed sources with AI assistance. How we prepare and review content

Photograph of Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis).
(c) Isaac Krone, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Image cropped for layout.

Quick answer

IUCN status: Least Concern

Brown-throated Sunbird at a glance

The Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) is a bird in the family Nectariniidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. Diet: nectar and insects; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

Quick facts: Brown-throated Sunbird
Scientific nameAnthreptes malacensis
Indonesian nameBurung-madu kelapa
GroupBirds
FamilyNectariniidae
Observation recordsNusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra
Taxonomic groupPasseriformes
GBIF records7,848 human-observation records, 2016–2026
Data retrieved2026-09-23
IUCN statusLeast Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026
Diet typeOmnivore (eats plants and animals) — nectar and insects · Animal Diversity Web
ReproductionLaying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)
ActiveDiurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt
In this guide (12)
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

What is the Brown-throated Sunbird?

Brown-throated Sunbird refers to Anthreptes malacensis, in the genus Anthreptes, family Nectariniidae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Brown-throated Sunbird?

The brown-throated sunbird uses semi-open Southeast Asian habitats; flower visits and bill shape can be observed without assuming every visit pollinates a plant.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Brown-throated Sunbird?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 7,848 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Brown-throated Sunbird?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Brown-throated Sunbird with Black Sunbird, Common Iora, Helmeted Friarbird. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Scientific classification of the Brown-throated Sunbird

Scientific classification from kingdom to species
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyNectariniidae
GenusAnthreptes
SpeciesAnthreptes malacensis

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).

Common questions about the Brown-throated Sunbird

What is the scientific name of the Brown-throated Sunbird?

The scientific name of the Brown-throated Sunbird is Anthreptes malacensis, in the family Nectariniidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Burung-madu kelapa.

What kind of animal is the Brown-throated Sunbird?

The Brown-throated Sunbird is a bird in the family Nectariniidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a nectar and insects.

Where does the Brown-throated Sunbird live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Brown-throated Sunbird summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. That list is not a complete range map.

What does the Brown-throated Sunbird eat?

The Brown-throated Sunbird is a nectar and insects. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: Animal Diversity Web.

How does the Brown-throated Sunbird reproduce?

The Brown-throated Sunbird reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).

Is the Brown-throated Sunbird nocturnal?

The cited source records the Brown-throated Sunbird as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.

See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.

What is the scientific classification of the Brown-throated Sunbird?

Scientific classification of the Brown-throated Sunbird: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Nectariniidae, genus Anthreptes, species Anthreptes malacensis.

Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

Is the Brown-throated Sunbird endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Brown-throated Sunbird is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Brown-throated Sunbird is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  4. Species account — background reading ↗
  5. Animal Diversity Web ↗
  6. Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
  7. EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
  8. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
  9. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →

Cite this page

Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.

PanduanHewan. Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/anthreptes-malacensis/

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