Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernBlack Sunbird at a glance
The Black Sunbird (Leptocoma sericea) is a bird in the family Nectariniidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Maluku, Papua, Sulawesi. Diet: nectar and small insects; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Leptocoma sericea |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Burung-madu hitam |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Observation records | Maluku, Papua, Sulawesi |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 7,194 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — nectar and small insects · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
In this guide (12)
What is the Black Sunbird?
Black Sunbird refers to Leptocoma sericea, in the genus Leptocoma, 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.
What is known about the Black Sunbird?
The black sunbird is a nectariniid; current bird lists (BirdLife/IUCN, eBird and IOC) name it Leptocoma aspasia, while GBIF still files it under the synonym Leptocoma sericea.
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: ITIS — Leptocoma taxonomy ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Black Sunbird?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 7,194 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 Maluku, Papua, Sulawesi. 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 Black 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 Black Sunbird with Brown-throated Sunbird, Helmeted Friarbird, Willie Wagtail. 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 Black Sunbird
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | Leptocoma |
| Species | Leptocoma sericea |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Black Sunbird
What is the scientific name of the Black Sunbird?
The scientific name of the Black Sunbird is Leptocoma sericea, in the family Nectariniidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Burung-madu hitam.
What kind of animal is the Black Sunbird?
The Black Sunbird is a bird in the family Nectariniidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a nectar and small insects.
Where does the Black Sunbird live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Black Sunbird summarised in this guide mainly come from Maluku, Papua, Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Black Sunbird eat?
The Black Sunbird is a nectar and small insects. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the Black Sunbird reproduce?
The Black Sunbird reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Black Sunbird nocturnal?
The cited source records the Black 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 Black Sunbird?
Scientific classification of the Black Sunbird: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Nectariniidae, genus Leptocoma, species Leptocoma sericea.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Black Sunbird endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Black 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 Black Sunbird is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- ITIS — Leptocoma taxonomy ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- 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. Black Sunbird (Leptocoma sericea). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/leptocoma-sericea/