Black-throated Sunbird
NameBlack-throated Sunbird
Common NameBlack-throated Sunbird
Scientific NameAethopyga saturata
FamilyNectariniidae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)9
Plumage DetailsMale has an iridescent metallic purple crown, nape, and upper mantle, with an iridescent blue malar stripe. The face and throat are black, followed by a broad maroon-red band across the chest. The back is dark olive-grey, and the belly is olive-yellowish. Wings are dark brown, and the tail is long and dark, often with elongated central feathers.
Vocalization / CallTypically a series of high-pitched, rapid, metallic chirps or trills, often described as 'tsip-tsip-tsip' or 'swee-swee-swee'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the Himalayas (from Nepal eastwards), Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and parts of southern China.
Identifying Featuresiridescent purple crown, black throat, maroon chest band, long decurved bill, long tail (especially in males)
Description
A small, active sunbird known for its vibrant iridescent plumage, particularly in males. It typically forages for nectar and small insects in the canopy and undergrowth of forests, often seen darting between flowers.
