Last Updated on 2023-07-05 , 5:04 pm
As the dawn breaks at 5:29 am, the unrelenting call of the Asian Koel, one of the most common birds in Singapore, fills the air. These moments, sometimes charming, sometimes disruptive, may lead you to wish for a world devoid of these winged creatures. However, the remarkable variety of birds in Singapore might just make you reconsider. Here we shed light on some of Singapore’s common birds that share our urban jungle, brightening our days with their dazzling display of colors and unique characteristics.
Meet the Majestic White-bellied Sea Eagle – A Regular Among Singapore Birds
Contrary to popular belief that only small birds inhabit our city, Singapore has a wild side that houses an impressive range of avian species, including full-fledged raptors. The White-bellied Sea Eagle, with its stunning 2-meter wingspan, is Singapore’s largest and most common bird of prey.
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They typically reside near the sea or other large water bodies, offering a captivating spectacle as they swoop down to feast on fish or sea snakes. These eagles have been sighted in the heart of Marina Bay and even at the Istana.
Behold the Vivid Pink-necked Green Pigeon – A Common Bird in Singapore
Next up is a Singapore common bird that looks straight out of a fantasy novel. The Pink-necked Green Pigeon, a vibrantly coloured bird, may seem unreal at first glance. But this bird, with swathes of pink blending into brilliant orange (in males), truly exists. Their female counterparts, while less striking, still flaunt a refreshingly green plumage with a reddish-brown tail.
Though they tend to be arboreal, spending most of their time hidden in trees, these pigeons are actually ranked as the third most common birds in Singapore according to a 2015 bird census by the Nature Society.
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The Bright and Beautiful Collared Kingfisher
One of the small birds in Singapore that adds a splash of colour to our everyday is the Collared Kingfisher. Identified by their rich azure plumage and distinctive “krek-krek” call, they contribute to the varied symphony of sounds in the city. Despite the misleading name, these kingfishers aren’t exclusive fish eaters – they’re happy to munch on insects or small lizards. The fascinating thing about their feathers is the lack of any blue pigment; instead, they exhibit blue due to a phenomenon called structural colouration.
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The Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker – One of the Small Birds in Singapore
The Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, a petite gem amongst the birds of Singapore, is perhaps a less familiar sight. Their distinctive metallic clicking chirp can be heard in our parks and gardens, but spotting these fast-moving birds requires a bit of patience. The males of this species sport a stunning streak of bright red extending from beak to tail, while the females are generally brown with a splash of scarlet above their tails.
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The Red Junglefowl – A Common Yet Endangered Bird
The Red Junglefowl, often mistaken for domestic chicken, are regular guests on the Instagram stories of curious onlookers. Despite the jests, these birds are actually listed as endangered in Singapore due to habitat loss. They are indeed the ancestors of the domestic chickens we are so familiar with today, and while similar, they outshine domestic chickens with their brilliant golden necks.
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The Black-naped Oriole – A Vibrant Presence Among Birds of Singapore
The Black-naped Oriole, another common bird in Singapore, is immediately recognisable due to its bright golden-yellow colour scheme with a striking eye-streak that resembles sunglasses. They are notorious for their aggressive behaviour, often raiding the nests of other species. Their distinctive calls include a crisp, whistling sound and a harsher call that resembles a cat’s meow.
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The Brahminy Kite – A Bird with Cultural Significance
The Brahminy Kite, another bird of prey on our list, is distinguished by its reddish-brown plumage. This bird holds cultural significance amongst the Iban people of Malaysia and Hindus, believed to be the manifestation of the god of war and the sacred bird Garuda, respectively.
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The Common Tailorbird – Small But Spectacular
The Common Tailorbird, one of the smaller birds in Singapore, is remarkable for its unique nest-building skill. They create nests by stitching leaves together, a behaviour that earned them their name. Despite their inconspicuous grey and white plumage with a hint of orange on their heads, missing out on them would be a regrettable mistake due to their extreme cuteness.
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The Oriental Magpie-robin – Once the Most Common Birds in Singapore
The Oriental Magpie-robin, a bird with a dark navy and white color scheme, was once the most common bird in Singapore. Their population has significantly reduced due to competition and excessive poaching. They are popular in the pet industry due to their melodious songs, capable of mimicking the calls of other birds.
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The Little Egret – A Survivor Among Birds in Singapore
Lastly, the Little Egret, a white waterbird often spotted wading in shallow water, has creatively adapted its hunting methods. They form a shadow over the water with their wings or disturb the water with their feet to trick their prey. Once hunted to near extinction for their beautiful plumes, they are now common sights in Singapore.
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A Rich Tapestry of Singapore Common Birds
As you navigate your way through the urban jungle, take a moment to appreciate the diversity of the birds in Singapore. Their calls, vibrant plumage, and unique behaviours are integral parts of our shared habitat. Despite the occasional cacophony, the presence of these birds adds a lively charm to our everyday lives. Their survival and adaptation in our cityscape offer valuable lessons on coexistence and resilience. So the next time an Asian Koel disrupts your morning sleep, perhaps take it as a reminder of the vibrant and diverse avian life around us.
Featured Image: Instagram (derrickw0ng/calestine.kaz.chee/birderee)
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