On 22 Sep 2021, Thong Chow Ngian observed a Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) outside his apartment, perching on a Footstool palm (Saribus rotundifolius) branch.
Photo 1 clearly shows a male bird. What caught my attention in this photo was some white feathers on its back (on the right of the bird in this photo).Photo 2. When the bird turned its back towards me, it showed a set of loosely hung, greyish-white feathers just below its mantle. These feathers looks like they are about to drop off. Is this a sign of moulting? Why are the feathers greyish-white unlike the colours of the other feathers on this bird? Could these be the down feathers?
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