Copper-throated Sunbird

Leptocoma calcostetha

Malay name: Kelicap Bakau · Chinese name: 铜喉花蜜鸟

Family: Spiderhunters and Sunbirds · Status: Uncommon resident · Size: 14 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs from mainland Southeast Asia to the Philippines, Sumatra, Java, and Borneo.

Identification

Male is relatively long-tailed with iridescent green crown, shoulder patch and uppertail-coverts, iridescent copper-red throat, purple flanks, and black lower breast and belly. Female has brown upperparts, yellow underparts, and contrasting grey head with white throat which separates it from other female sunbirds in Singapore.

Habitat

Mangroves; also coastal secondary forest and scrub near the shore.

Behaviour

Keeps mainly to the upper and middle storeys; feeds on nectar of mangrove flowers and is very active.