Copper-throated Sunbird
Leptocoma calcostetha
The Copper-throated Sunbird (Leptocoma calcostetha) is a rare spiderhunters and sunbird found in 9 countries, weighing about 8 g. The copper-throated sunbird is a small passerine within the Nectariniidae family.
About the Copper-throated Sunbird
The copper-throated sunbird is a small passerine within the Nectariniidae family. They sustain themselves by consuming nectar as well as small invertebrates. As a member of the Nectariniidae family, they possess downward curved beaks and have pectoral tufts of yellow feathers. They are found in south-eastern Asia, predominantly in coastal regions.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Copper-throated sunbirds are small sized birds ranging from 12.2–13 cm. A mature individual's wingspan averages 57.5mm, while their tails average 45.5mm. Adult males are predominantly black birds with contrasting shimmering green on their heads, shoulders, upper back and rump; as well as a copper colored throat with an outer ring of shimmering purplish-blue that extends down to the chest. They possess black legs and black eyes with no eye ring. Voice: Their songs are a melodious trill of fluctuating notes, sounding almost squeaky, broken up by brief pauses and a single sharp squeak. Their calls are squee- sound, that subtly decreases in pitch. No documentation could be found on copper-throated sunbirds' utilization of their vocalizations.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Copper-throated Sunbird can be seen all year round, with peak activity in March. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Copper-throated Sunbird?
- Copper-throated sunbirds are small sized birds ranging from 12.2–13 cm. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Copper-throated Sunbird?
- The Copper-throated Sunbird is a tiny sized bird weighing about 8 g.
- Where can you see a Copper-throated Sunbird?
- The Copper-throated Sunbird occurs in 9 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.
- What birds look similar to a Copper-throated Sunbird?
- The Copper-throated Sunbird is most easily confused with the Van Hasselt's Sunbird, the Purple-throated Sunbird and the Crimson-backed Sunbird.
- Is the Copper-throated Sunbird endangered?
- The Copper-throated Sunbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Copper-throated Sunbird for real
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