It is often considered a subspecies of the brown-throated sunbird, but the two differ consistently in measurements and plumage, and there is no evidence of intergradation between them.

[2] Ebird describes it as "A small bird of lowland wooded areas with a fairly long, slightly curved, stout bill and yellow underparts.

"[3] It was formerly conspecific with the Brown-throated sunbird but is differentiated reddish ear-coverts and edges of wings, grey throat and overall smaller size with clearly shorter tail.

The IUCN has classified the species as being of Least Concern as it has a large range and it is common throughout with the population believed to be stable.

However, deforestation in the Philippines continues throughout the country due to slash and burn farming, mining, illegal logging and habitat conversion.