The red-throated sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in Brunei, Indonesia (including Borneo and Sumatra), Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. It favors subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including primary forest and mature secondary growth. Common along forest edges, riverine corridors, and in swamp forest where flowering trees are abundant. It typically keeps to the understory and mid-canopy but will ascend to the canopy when certain trees are in bloom.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-throated sunbird is a forest-dependent sunbird whose bright crimson throat on males flashes in low light beneath the canopy. It is an important pollinator, probing flowers for nectar and transferring pollen as it forages. Unlike some urban-tolerant sunbirds, this species prefers intact lowland forest and declines with heavy logging or conversion. It often joins mixed-species flocks and forages in pairs during the breeding season.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or as part of mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs defend small nectar-rich areas during breeding. The nest is a suspended, purse-like structure made of plant fibers and spider silk, with a side entrance. Both parents participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, sibilant chips and twitters delivered in short bursts, often while foraging. Males give rapid, metallic notes during displays and territorial encounters. Calls can be easily overlooked against forest insect noise.
Plumage
Male is olive-green above with a vivid red throat and upper breast, contrasting with paler yellowish underparts; female is more uniformly olive with a paler throat. Both sexes have sleek, close-fitting plumage typical of sunbirds. The bill is slender and slightly decurved.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from a variety of flowering trees, lianas, and shrubs. Supplements its diet with small arthropods, especially during the breeding season for protein. Gleans insects from foliage and occasionally hawks tiny flying insects. May visit certain trees when in peak bloom, moving quickly between inflorescences.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the understory and mid-canopy of mature lowland rainforest, along forest edges, and in riparian and swamp forest. Less frequently ventures into cultivated areas than some other sunbirds and favors relatively undisturbed tracts.
