# 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.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/anthreptes-malacensis/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/anthreptes-malacensis/
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**Review status:** This 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.

## Quick answer

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.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Anthreptes malacensis* |
| Indonesian name | Burung-madu kelapa |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 7,848 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2484632) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — nectar and insects · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Anthreptes_malacensis/) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt) |

## 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](https://www.gbif.org/species/2484632)

## 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown-throated_sunbird)

## 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2484632&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2484632&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## 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

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | *Anthreptes* |
| Species | *Anthreptes malacensis* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## 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](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Anthreptes_malacensis/).

### How does the Brown-throated Sunbird reproduce?

The Brown-throated Sunbird reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352).

### 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](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### 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](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), 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)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2484632), 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](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2484632)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2484632&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/979598)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown-throated_sunbird)
5. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Anthreptes_malacensis/)
6. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352)
7. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Black Sunbird](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/leptocoma-sericea/)
- [Common Iora](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/aegithina-tiphia/)
- [Helmeted Friarbird](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/philemon-buceroides/)
- [White-breasted Woodswallow](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/artamus-leucorhynchos/)
- [Common Sandpiper](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/actitis-hypoleucos/)
- [Olive-backed Tailorbird](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/orthotomus-sepium/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Brown-throated Sunbird. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/anthreptes-malacensis/