The genus Anthothreptes contains a few Sun-birds which are closely allied to Arachnechthra in structure. In Anthothreptes, however, the bill is deeper, and the lower mandible is straight or nearly so instead of being well curved downwards. The sexes are structurally the same, but differ in colour.
The birds of this genus appear to make nests dissimilar to those of the genus Arachnechthra. That of A. malaccensis is described as being oval in shape, with a hole on one side near the top, and constructed of cocoanut-fibres &c. This nest, as figured in Shelley's Monograph, is attached directly to a branch, and has none of the cord-like connection between the nest and the point of attachment so usual in the nests of the other Sun-birds.
Key to the Species.
