The Black-throated Sunbird is a beautiful bird species found in the Asia-Pacific regions and mainly lives in the forest areas or scrublands of varying altitudes. It belongs to the Nectariniidae family of birds and is also known as the Black-throated Nectar Sipper or the Arunachal Sunbird in some regions.
The male Black-throated Sunbird is a stunning bird with a metallic green and blue head, a black throat, and an iridescent purple-blue chest and back. The females, on the other hand, are less striking with olive-green upperparts, a yellowish-white abdomen, and a slightly duller throat. Both males and females have long, curved beaks typical of nectar-feeding birds.
The Black-throated Sunbird is primarily a nectar-feeding bird and mainly feeds on the nectar of various flowering plants such as banana flowers, hibiscus, and wildflowers. However, they also feed on other arthropods such as spiders and small insects and sometimes consume pollen and fruit as well.
The Black-throated Sunbird is known for its beautiful song that is a series of melodic chirps and whistles. The males sing during the breeding season to attract mates and defend their territories from other males.
Breeding takes place during the monsoon season, and the female builds a small, cup-shaped nest using spiders' webs and other plant materials. The female typically lays two or three eggs and incubates them for around 11 to 13 days.
The Black-throated Sunbird is not considered a threatened species, despite some loss of habitat due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. They are still widespread and relatively common in the areas they inhabit. The bird's beauty and unique characteristics make it a favorite among bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts around the world.