Nature Society (Singapore) is the national partner of

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1 SINGAPORE AVIFAUNA A monthly bulletin of the Nature Society (Singapore) Bird Group Volume 24 Number 4 CONTENTS Published by Nature Society (Singapore) Bird Group, 510 Geylang Road, #02-05, The Sunflower, Singapore Tel : , Fax : , nss@nss.org.sg, Website : 1 Bird Report: April-June 2010 Compiled by Lim Kim Seng 39 Singapore Raptor Report: April-May 2010 Compiled by Tan Gim Cheong 41 Where Have All The House Swifts Gone? By Lim Kim Seng 46 Letter: Birding in Singapore By Lim Kim Seng SINAV Editorial Committee Lim Kim Chuah, Lim Kim Seng, Yong Ding Li, Andrew Chow, Albert Low MICA(P) 239/11/2005 NSS Bird Group Chairman Alan OwYong (alan_owyong@gmail.com) Vice-Chairman Ho Hua Chew (hohc@starhub.net.sg) Secretary Willie Foo (willie.foo@kbr.com) Mangrove Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra at Pulau Ubin on 25 May 2010 By Lee Tiah Kee Nature Society (Singapore) is the national partner of

2 Bird Report Quarter 3 April to June 2010 Compiled by Lim Kim Seng SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS April marked the last month of stay for many migrant birds in Singapore. In April 2010, 36 migrant species were still present though this was expected to reduce sharply in the following month. Amongst the more interesting ones included two different Chestnutwinged Cuckoo, the last Black Baza, a kettle of 30 Japanese Sparrowhawks, at Tuas, Javan Pond Heron, Watercock, ten shorebird species, Blue-winged Pitta, Asian Paradise Flycatcher and four species of warblers. Resident species were active as well and notable species included six cuckoo species, Spotted Wood Owl, inclusive of a new site for this species, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Mangrove Pitta, Mangrove Whistler and Straw-headed Bulbul. In addition, 17 species were recorded breeding this month including the nationally threatened Little Grebe and 5 species of escapees, including an addition to the growing escapee list Red-headed Quelea. May 2010 saw just 13 migrants present including 5 shorebirds and three warblers. Also interesting were reports of over-wintering Japanese Sparrowhawks. The highlight of the month and perhaps the entire quarter under review was the discovery of a new site for Mangrove Blue Flycatcher followed by the first reported nest for Singapore on Pulau Ubin. There were 13 nesting records and 4 records of escapees. There was considerable reduction of birding activity and hence fewer records in June Migrants were also conspicuous by their near-total absence and included just 5 species Whimbrel, Common Redshank, Little Egret, Cattle Egret and Bluewinged Pitta. The pitta record was noteworthy as it indicates a breeding population somewhere in Singapore, which would be a breeding range extension of over 300 km! An Osprey seen at Kranji Marsh was again indication that the status of this nonbreeding species has changed regionally. Probably the most noteworthy resident this month were sightings of the nationally threatened Blue-rumped Parrot from Central Catchment, Dairy Farm and MacRitchie Reservoir. There were 8 breeding records and 4 records of escapees. JOHOR HIGHLIGHTS Activity was again centred on the jewel of south Johor, Panti Forest Reserve. Birding efforts revealed the presence of some real noteworthy species. Undoubtedly the centerpiece of the period (April-June 2010) was a Brown-backed Flowerpecker, - 1 -

3 photographed here in May. This is a rare bird not only in Panti but throughout its range. Another highlight of this period was the discovery of a family of Blyth s Frogmouths in May. Other megabird highlights included Jambu Fruit Dove, Bat Hawk, Rail Babbler, Black Magpie, Pale Blue Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Shama, Horsfield Babbler, Grey-breasted Babbler and White-bellied Munia. Female Pied Triller feeding young at Kranji Dam on 23 April 2010 By Lee Tiah Khee. SUMMARY This report covers noteworthy bird sightings in April to June 2010 for Singapore and the surrounding region. In general, the report will include but are not limited to the following categories: rarities, breeding or nesting records, arrival and departure dates for migratory species, new locality records, escapees and unusual behaviour. In addition, contributors are also advised to be as precise as possible concerning records. Please remember to include details such as how many birds were seen, the plumage, sex and age of the birds, the type of habitat in which they were observed, the food they were eating (if possible, identify the plant or animal), the weather encountered (what was the wind direction, tide conditions, etc.). Although it is not necessary to have such details for all record submissions, it is a good habit to cultivate and is normally required for very rare or unusual species

4 Please send all your records of interest to Lim Kim ibisbill@yahoo.com or Lim Kim pittalover@yahoo.com.sg or Yong Ding Li at zoothera@yahoo.com. Alternatively you can also post your sightings at the NSS Bird Group website at Please send your records no later than one week after the end of every month. Your contributions will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged. Unless stated otherwise, nomenclature and systematic follow K.S. Lim s (2009) The Avifauna of Singapore, K.S. Lim & K.C. Lim s (1999) Pocket checklist of the birds of Johor, Peninsular Malaysia for Johor, and B.L. Monroe Jr. & C.G. Sibley s (1993) A World Checklist of Birds for the rest of the region. We would like to thank the following contributors: Doreen Ang (DA), Samatha Ang (SMA), Howard Banwell (HB), Steve Bershader (SB), Mike Bush (MB), Jimmy Chew (JC), Alfred Chia (AC), Avian Chia (AVC), Jason Cho (JCo), Andrew Chow (ACW), FSC Fang (FSC), Willie Foo (WF), Gerard Francis (GF), Margie Hall (MH), Ho Hua Chew (HHC), Kenneth Kee (KK), Raj Krishnan (RK), Danny Lau (DL), Lau Jiasheng (LJS), Ben Lee (BL), Jimmy Lee (JLe), Pauline Lee (PL), Lee Tiah Khee (LTK), KC Leo (KCL), Jeremy Lewis (JL), Janet Lim (JLi), Lim Kim Chuah (LKC), Lim Kim Keang (LKK), Lim Kim Seng (LKS), Richard Lim (RL), Lim Wen Hui (LWH), Lim Wen Xiu (LWX), Low Choon How (LCH), Jeanne Miller (JM), Randal Ong (RO), Alan Owyong (AOY), Ulf Remahl (UR), Ian Rickword (IR), Neil Robertson (NR), Safizah Abdullah (SA), See Toh Yew Wai (ST), See Swee Leng (SSL), Sim Chong Hong (SCH), Martti Siponen (MS), Tan Gim Cheong (TGC), Tan Hui Boon (THB), Tan Ju Lin (TJL), Tan Kok Hui (TKH), Tan Yong Hong (TYH), Alan Tang (AT), KP Teh (TKP), Robert Teo (RT), Alex Ting (ALT), Angela Wade (AW), Ken Wade (KW), Wing Chong (WC), Wong Chung Cheong (WCC), Joanne Xue (JX), Yang Pah Liang (YPL), Margaret Yeo (MY) and Yong Ding Li (YDL) as well as all those who contributed by posting their sightings in the wildbirdsingapore E-group. In addition, we would like to Howard Banwell, Ben Lee, Lee Tiah Khee and Robert Teo for allowing us to use their photos in this report. ABBREVIATIONS USED: BBNP BTNR CCNR DFNP KM PFR SBWR SBG Sev obs Bukit Batok Nature Park Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Central Catchment Nature Reserve Dairy Farm Nature Park Kranji Marsh Panti Forest Reserve Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Singapore Botanic Gardens Several observers - 3 -

5 APRIL 2010 SINGAPORE WANDERING WHISTLING-DUCK Dendrocygna arcuata 7 were seen at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs). LESSER WHISTLING-DUCK Dendrocygna javanica 11 were counted at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs). RUFOUS WOODPECKER Celeus brachyurus 1 was seen in albizia woods at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 10/4 (LKS/YDL), and 1 on 14/4 (LKS) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL). BANDED WOODPECKER Picus miniaceus 1 was seen at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs). LACED WOODPECKER Picus vittatus 1 female was seen at Lorong Halus on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 1 female at BBNP on 18/4 (sev obs). COMMON GOLDENBACK Dinopium javanense A male was seen at Lorong Halus on 24/4 (LKS/YDL) and a pair at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). LINEATED BARBET Megalaima lineata 1 was seen at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs), 5 at BBNP on 18/4 (sev obs) and 2 at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). COPPERSMITH BARBET Megalaima haemacephala At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), and 1 on 14/4 (LKS) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL).1 was also seen at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs) and 1 at BBNP on 25/4 (WC). ORIENTAL DOLLARBIRD Eurystomus orientalis At Lorong Halus, 1 was seen on 7/4 (LKS), 10/4 (LKS/YDL) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL), and 2 on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 1 was also seen at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs). COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis 1 seen at Sungei Blukar on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 7/4 (LKS) and 10/4 (LKS/YDL). STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER Pelargopsis capensis 1 was seen fishing at Sungei Buloh on 4/4 (LKS)

6 BLUE-THROATED BEE-EATER Merops viridis 5 were seen at Lorong Halus on 2/4 (LKS/YDL) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL), 2 at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS), 2 at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs) and 4 at BBNP on 18/4 (sev obs). BLUE-TAILED BEE-EATER Merops philippinus At Lorong Halus, 3 were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL) and 1 on 7/4 (LKS). 2 were also seen at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs), our last date for this migrant. CHESTNUT-WINGED CUCKOO Clamator coromandus 1 was seen at Chinese Garden on 3/4 (TKP) and 1 at Camborne Road on 5/4 (IR). BANDED BAY CUCKOO Cacomantis sonnerati At Lorong Halus, 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 1 heard on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 2 were also heard at Bukit Batok West on 11/4 (WC) and 1 heard at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). PLAINTIVE CUCKOO Cacomantis merulinus At Lorong Halus, 1 was heard on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 7/4 (LKS), 14/4 (LKS) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL), and an adult seen on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 1 was also heard at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). RUSTY-BREASTED CUCKOO Cacomantis sepulcralis At Lorong Halus, 1 was heard on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 7/4 (LKS), 10/4 (LKS/YDL), 14/4 (LKS) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL), and 2 heard on 17/4 (LKS/YDL). 1 was also heard at Bukit Batok West on 11/4 (WC) and 2 seen in an albizia at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). LITTLE BRONZE-CUCKOO Chrysococcyx minutillus At Lorong Halus, 1 was heard on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 3 birds, including 2 males displaying and singing on an exposed perch, seen on 7/4 (LKS), 1 heard on 10/4 (LKS/YDL), 3 seen on 14/4 (LKS), and 1 seen on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL). Another was heard at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). VIOLET CUCKOO Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus A male was seen at SBG Symphony Lake on 11/4 (sev obs) and 2 at BBNP on 18/4 (sev obs). ASIAN DRONGO-CUCKOO Surniculus lugubris 1 was heard at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). GREATER COUCAL Centropus sinensis 1 was seen and another heard in open scrub at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). BLUE-CROWNED HANGING PARROT Loriculus galgulus 3 were seen at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs), 1at BBNP on 18/4 (sev obs), 3 at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS) and 1 over Lorong 28 Geylang, a new locality, on 24/4 (LKS)

7 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri 1 was seen at SBG on 11/4 (LKS) and a pair at Lorong Halus on 17/4 (LKS/YDL). RED-BREASTED PARAKEET Psittacula alexandri At Lorong Halus, 1 was seen on 14/4 (LKS), 11 on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 3 on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 1 was also seen at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). LONG-TAILED PARAKEET Psittacula longicauda 2 were seen at Lorong Halus on 10/4 (LKS/YDL), about 12 birds feeding on oil palm fruits at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs) and 5 at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). FORK-TAILED SWIFT Apus pacificus 1 seen flying over Lorong Halus on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). GREY-RUMPED TREESWIFT Hemiprocne longipennis 5 were seen at BBNP on 25/4 (WC). SPOTTED WOOD OWL Strix seloputo 2 adults were seen with a newly fledged juvenile at SBG on 4/4 (RL). This indicates continued breeding at this traditional site. A bird was also present at Sembawang Country Club on 30/4 (ST), a new locality. SAVANNA NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus affinis A male was flushed at Lorong Halus on 10/4 (LKS/YDL). RED TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia tranquebarica At Lorong Halus, 1 male was seen on 7/4 (LKS), a female on 14/4 (LKS), 3 on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 2 on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 2 birds were also seen at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). COMMON EMERALD DOVE Chalcophaps indica 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 2/4 (LKS/YDL) and 24/4 (LKS). RED-LEGGED CRAKE Rallina fasciata 1 was seen and another heard at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). RUDDY-BREASTED CRAKE Porzana fusca 1 was seen at Kranji Marsh on 2/4 (ST). At Lorong Halus, 1 was flushed on 14/4 (LKS) and 1 heard on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). WHITE-BROWED CRAKE Porzana cinerea 1 was heard at Lorong Halus on 14/4 (LKS)

8 WATERCOCK Gallicrex cinerea 2 winter birds were seen and photographed at Lorong Halus on 15/4 (LTK). Watercock at Lorong Halus on 15 April By Lee Tiah Khee. Note the Smooth Otter in the background! WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus 5 were counted at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS) and 1 at Changi Cove on 18/4 (BL). At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 7/4 (LKS), 1 on 10/4 (LKS/YDL) and 2 on 14/4 (LKS). COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 7/4 (LKS), 10/4 (LKS/YDL), 14/4 (LKS) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL). Also 20 at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS). MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 2/4 (LKS/YDL). COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia At Lorong Halus, 1 bird was seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 7/4 (LKS), 10/4 (LKS/YDL) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL). Another was seen at Pasir Ris Drive 3 on 2/4 (LKS/YDL) and 7/4 (LKS) and 1 at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS). WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 7/4 (LKS). TEREK SANDPIPER Tringa cinerea At Lorong Halus, 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 7/4 (LKS) and 14/4 (LKS), and 2 on 10/4 (LKS/YDL)

9 COMMON SANDPIPER Tringa hypoleucos At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 14/4 (LKS) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL), and 1 on 7/4 (LKS) and 10/4 (LKS). Also 2 at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS) and 2 at Changi Cove on 18/4 (BL). RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres 2 seen at Changi Cove on 18/4 (BL). PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis fulva At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL) and 7/4 (LKS), and 1 on 10/4 (LKS/YDL). Also 5 at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS). GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola 1 seen at Changi Cove on 18/4 (BL). MALAYSIAN PLOVER Charadrius peronii A pair at Changi Cove on 18/4 (BL). RED-WATTLED LAPWING Vanellus indicus 2 were seen at Bukit Batok West on 11/4 (WC) and 1 seen along Old Choa Chu Kang Road on 22/4 (TGC). LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons 2 summer birds, 1 with fish, were seen at Kranji Marsh on 25/4 (sev obs). OSPREY Pandion haliaetus 1 was seen at Kranji Reservoir on 4/4 (LTK). Osprey with prey at Kranji Reservoir on 4 April 2010 By Lee Tiah Kee

10 BLACK BAZA Aviceda leuphotes 1 was seen at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS) was the last sighting for the month. CRESTED HONEY BUZZARD Pernis ptilorhyncus 1 was seen at Neo Tiew Road on 10/4 (RK) and 1 flying over Lorong Halus on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE Haliaeetus leucogaster An adult was seen kleptoparasiting an adult Brahminy Kite at Lorong Halus on 10/4 (LKS/YDL). GREY-HEADED FISH-EAGLE Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus 1 seen flying over Singapore Quarry on 3/4 (MB/JM) and a pair at Kranji Reservoir on 30/4 (LTK). CRESTED SERPENT EAGLE Spilornis cheela 1 seen and photographed at Teacher s Estate on 4/4 (RK/JX) and 1 probable seen at King s Avenue on 25/4 (MH). JAPANESE SPARROWHAWK Accipiter gularis At Lorong Halus, 3 were seen at Lorong Halus on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 1 on 7/4 (LKS) and 4 on 10/4 (LKS/YDL). The biggest group seen was 30 birds over Tuas on 11/4 (MS). CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus cirrhatus At Lorong Halus, 1 was heard on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), a dark morph seen on 7/4 (LKS), and a juvenile seen on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 1 was also heard at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS), 1 seen at BTNR on 23/4 (LKS), 1 seen at King s Avenue on 25/4 (MH) and 1 at Kranji Reservoir on 30/4 (LTK). PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus 1 was seen at Japanese Garden on 14/4 (LCH). LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 7/4 (LKS), 14/4 (LKS), 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL). At Singapore Quarry, 6 were seen on 6/4 (UR), 4 on 20/4 (LKS) and 4 on 25/4 (UR). LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta 6 were seen at Pasir Ris Drive 3 on 2/4 (LLKS/YDL) and 13 at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS). At Lorong Halus, 1 was seen on 7/4 (LKS) 14/4 (LKS) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL), and 2 on 10/4 (LKS/YDL). GREY HERON Ardea cinerea At Lorong Halus, 5 were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 9 on 7/4 (LKS), 6 on 14/4 (LKS), 10 on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 4 on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). In addition, 6 were also seen at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS) and 9 along Sungei Serangoon on 30/4 (AT)

11 PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea At Lorong Halus, 3 were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL) and 1 on 7/4 (LKS). Also 1 at Sungei Buloh on 4/4 (LKS) and 1 at Kranji Marsh on 25/4 (sev obs). GREAT EGRET Casmerodius albus At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 7/4 (LKS) and 1 on 10/4 (LKS/YDL). Also 1 at Pasir Ris Drive 3 on 7/4 (LKS). CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis A summer bird was seen at Murai Farmway on 20/4 (HB) and 4 seen at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). CHINESE POND-HERON Ardeola bacchus At Pasir Ris Drive 3, 1 summer was seen with an unidentified winter plumaged pondheron, probably this species on 2/4 (LKS/YDL) and 3 summer birds on 7/4 (LKS). One summer bird was seen at the Singapore Science Centre Eco-garden on 3/4 (BL) swallowing a Garden Supple Skink Lygosoma bowringii and one partial summer bird also seen at Lorong Halus on 17/4 (LKS/YDL). Summer-plumaged Chinese Pond Heron feeding on skink Lygosoma bowringii at Singapore Science Centre on 17 April 2010 By Ben Lee. JAVAN POND-HERON Ardeola speciosa 1 summer bird was seen in a canal at Pasir Ris Drive 3 on 2/4 (LKS/YDL)

12 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON Nycticorax nycticorax At Lorong Halus, 2 adults were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 1 immature on 7/4 (LKS) and 2 adults on 10/4 (LKS/YDL). 9 birds, including a juvenile, were also seen roosting in mangroves at Sungei Tampines on 5/4 (HB). YELLOW BITTERN Ixobrychus sinensis At Lorong Halus, 3 were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 1 on 10/4 (LKS), 4 on 14/4 (LKS), 1 on 17/4 (LKS) and 3 on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 4 were also seen at Kranji Marsh on 25/4 (sev obs). CINNAMON BITTERN Ixobrychus cinnamomeus 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 7/4 (LKS) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL). BLUE-WINGED PITTA Pitta moluccensis A bird was heard calling at Old Choa Chu Kang Road on 23/4 (TGC). MANGROVE PITTA Pitta megarhyncha 1 was heard in Sungei Puaka, western Pulau Ubin on 10/4 (RT). ASIAN FAIRY-BLUEBIRD Irena puella 1 was seen at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). LESSER GREEN LEAFBIRD Chloropsis cyanopogon A female was seen at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). TIGER SHRIKE Lanius tigrinus An adult was seen high up a tree at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). Another adult male was seen at Quarry View Biking Trail on 27/4 (RK). BROWN SHRIKE Lanius cristatus At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), and 1 on 14/4 (LKS), 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL). Another was heard at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). LONG-TAILED SHRIKE Lanius schach 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 10/4 (LKS/YDL), 14/4 (LKS), 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL). MANGROVE WHISTLER Pachycephala grisola 1 juvenile was mist-netted and ringed on Pulau Ubin on 16/4 (RT). Mangrove Whistler at Pulau Ubin on 16 April By Robert Teo

13 ASIAN PARADISE FLYCATCHER Terpsiphone paradisi 1 was seen on Sentosa on 24/4 (AOY/YPL). ASIAN BROWN FLYCATCHER Muscicapa dauurica 1 was seen in a carpark at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS) and 1 at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs). YELLOW-RUMPED FLYCATCHER Ficedula zanthopygia A female was seen at BTNR on 23/4 (LKS). ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN Copsychus saularis At Lorong Halus, 1 male was seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), a pair on 7/4 (LKS), 1 on 14/4 (LKS) and 3 on 17/4 (LKS/YDL). Also 1 male at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS), 4 birds at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs) and 1 heard at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). COMMON HILL MYNA Gracula religiosa 2 were seen at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs), 2 at BBNP on 18/4 (sev obs) and 6 at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica At Lorong Halus, 1 was seen on 10/4 (LKS/YDL), 3 on 14/4 (LKS) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL), and 2 on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 2 were also seen at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 sev obs). Numbers are definitely down in April. STRAW-HEADED BULBUL Pycnonotus zeylanicus 1 was heard at BBNP on 18/4 (sev obs) and 2 heard at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). BLACK-CRESTED BULBUL Pycnonotus melanicterus 1 was seen at the summit of Bukit Timah on 23/4 (LKS). RED-WHISKERED BULBUL Pycnonotus jocosus At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 10/4 (LKS/YDL), and 1 on14/4 (LKS) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 1 was also seen at Woodlands Street 82 on 12/4 (LKS). SOOTY-HEADED BULBUL Pycnonotus aurigaster At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 4 on 7/4 (LKS), 4 on 10/4 (LKS/YDL), 8 on 14/4 (LKS), 7 on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 5 on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE Zosterops palpebrosus 1 was seen in mangrove at Sungei Buloh on 4/4 (LKS), 3 in albizia woods at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS) and 7 at BBNP on 25/4 (WC). LANCEOLATED WARBLER Locustella certhiola 1 was sighted at Kranji Marsh on 2/4 (ST)

14 PALLAS GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER Locustella certhiola 1 heard at Lorong Halus on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 7/4 (LKS), 10/4 (LKS/YDL), 14/4 (LKS) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL). At Kranji Marsh, 1 was seen on 2/4 (ST) and 30/4 (ST), and 1 heard on 25/4 (sev obs). BLACK-BROWED REED-WARBLER Acrocephalus bistrigiceps 1 was seen at Kranji Marsh on 2/4 (ST). ORIENTAL REED-WARBLER Acrocephalus orientalis At Lorong Halus, 1 was heard on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 14/4 (LKS) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL), and 1 seen on 7/4 (LKS) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL). 1 was seen high up a tall Acacia at Neo Tiew lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs) and 1 heard at Kranji Marsh on 25/4 (sev obs). RUFOUS-TAILED TAILORBIRD Orthotomus sericeus 1 was seen at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS), 1 heard at Lorong Halus on 24/4 (LKs/YDL) and 1 heard at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). Even though this is our scarcest tailorbird, it is still relatively widespread. ARCTIC WARBLER Phylloscopus borealis Individuals were heard at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS), SBG on 11/4 (sev obs), BBNP on 18/4 (sev obs), BTNR on 23/4 (LKS) and Lorong Halus on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 1 was also seen and 4 heard at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS), and 1 seen on Sentosa on 24/4 (AOY/YPL). WHITE-CRESTED LAUGHINGTHRUSH Garrulax leucolophus 2 were seen at BBNP on 18/4 (sev obs) and 1 heard at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). BROWN-THROATED SUNBIRD Anthreptes malaccensis A few seen chasing off an Oriental Whip-snake off a tree at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs). PURPLE-THROATED SUNBIRD Nectarinia sperata A male was seen joining in a mixed group of 4 sunbird species in heckling an Oriental Whip-snake off a tree at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs). OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD Nectarinia jugularis At least 4 birds seen making a lot of noise and behaving agitatedly near a large Oriental Whip-snake high up a tree at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs). CRIMSON SUNBIRD Aethopyga siparaja A male seen joining in a group of sunbirds at chasing off an Oriental Whip-snake at SBG on 11/4 (sev obs). Another was seen at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). BLACK-HEADED MUNIA Lonchura malacca 2 were seen at Lorong Halus on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL). WHITE-HEADED MUNIA Lonchura maja 2 seen at Lorong Halus on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 2 along Sungei Serangoon on 30/4 (AT)

15 BREEDING / NESTING REPORTS SUNDA PYGMY WOODPECKER Dendrocopus moluccensis 1 seen entering a hole on a dead branch high up an albizia at Lorong Halus on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 24/4 (LKS/YDL) could have been nesting. COMMON GOLDENBACK Dinopium javanense A male was seen sitting in a treehole, with a female in attendance, on an albizia about 10 m from the ground at Singapore Quarry on 20/4 (LKS). COPPERSMITH BARBET Megalaima haemacephala An adult was seen feeding a chick in a nesthole at Chinese Garden on 3/4 (TKP). ORIENTAL DOLLARBIRD Eurystomus orientalis A pair was seen nesting at the top of a dead tree stump at Singapore Quarry on 6/4 (UR). Unfortunately, the top part of the stump disappeared on 19/4 (UR). LARGE-TAILED NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus macrurus 1 was seen sitting on 2 eggs at Bukit Batok West on 11/4 (WC), with 1 chick seen on 17/4 (WC). The chick was fully fledged on 24/4 (WC). PINK-NECKED GREEN PIGEON Treron vernans An adult was seen building a nest at Old Choa Chu Kang Road on 12/4 (TGC). LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis A pair seen building a nest in a pond at Lorong Halus on 14/4 (LKS), 15/4 (LTK) and 17/4 (LKS/YDL). This nest was destroyed on 18/4 (LTK). BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE Oriolus chinensis 1 was observed carrying nesting material at Lorong Halus on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). PIED TRILLER Lalage nigra 2 chicks were seen being fed by an adult female at Kranji Dam on 23/4 (LTK). YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL Pycnonotus goiavier An adult was seen sitting in a nest in a bush beside the quarry pond at BBNP on 18/4 (sev obs). A juvenile was also seen being attended by an adult at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). OLIVE-WINGED BULBUL Pycnonotus plumosus A juvenile amongst a group of 4 at BBNP on 1/4 (ACW) indicated local breeding. YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA Prinia flaviventris 1 was seen collecting nest materials grass stalks - at Lorong Halus on 14/4 (LKS)

16 ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE Zosterops palpebrosus An adult was seen tending to a nest 7 feet off the ground on a palm at Burgundy Drive on 16/4 (DA). Two adults were seen taking turns to incubate on 19/4 (DA) and 2 chicks seen being fed by adults on 22/4 (LTK). Oriental White-eyes tending chicks at a nest at Burgundy Drive on 22 April By Lee Tiah Khee. STRIPED TIT-BABBLER Macronous gularis 5 including a begging juvenile at BBNP on 1/4 (ACW) indicate local breeding. OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD Nectarinia jugularis An adult was seen sitting in a nest at Old Choa Chu Kang Road on 12/4 (TGC). CRIMSON SUNBIRD Aethopyga siparaja A female was seen building a nest at the entrance of SBWR on 4/4 (LTK). A female Crimson Sunbird at its nest at SBWR on 4 Apr 2010 By Lee Tiah Khee

17 BAYA WEAVER Ploceus philippinus At Lorong Halus, 3 incomplete nests with birds in attendance were seen on an Acacia on 2/4 (LKS/YDL), 2 nests on 7/4 (LKS), 12 nests on 14/4 (LKS), 31 nests on 17/4 (LKS/YDL) and 25 nests on 24/4 (LKS/YDL). 2 nests were also seen at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/4 (sev obs). REPORT ON ESCAPEES RED JUNGLEFOWL Gallus gallus 1 was heard at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS). BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus 4 birds were seen at SBG Ecolake on 11/4 (sev obs). A pair of this ornamental bird was seen guarding a single large white egg near the edge of the lake beside a stand of reeds. MILKY STORK Mycteria cinerea 5 were seen feeding in a pond at SBWR on 4/4 (LKS). RED-HEADED QUELEA Quelea erythrops A male seen building a nest at Lorong Halus on 17/4 (HB/GF/JLe/JLi) is our first record of this African species. It was not seen here subsequently. Red-headed Quelea building a nest at Lorong Halus. By Howard Banwell. PIN-TAILED WHYDAH Vidua macroura A breeding plumaged male was seen at Jalan Gemala 2 on 26/4 (THB)

18 MAY 2010 SINGAPORE RED JUNGLEFOWL Gallus gallus A male and a pair were seen at Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on 23/5 (LKK/LKS/SSL) and a male at Kranji Marsh on 29/5 (KCL). A male seen in a forested area outside the Singapore Zoo on 30/5 (YDL) was most probably a wild bird given its extreme shyness. WANDERING WHISTLING DUCK Dendrocygna arcuata 4 were seen at SBG Ecolake on 30/5 (LKS/LWH/LWX/SA). LESSER WHISTLING DUCK Dendrocygna javanica 3 were seen flying over Lorong Halus on 29/5 (LKS/YDL) and 5 swimming at SBG Ecolake on 30/5 (LKS/LWH/LWX/SA). RUFOUS WOODPECKER Celeus brachyurus A pair was seen foraging in Acacia at Lorong Halus on 2/5 (DA/LKS). Another was heard at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS) and 1 at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/5 (UR). COMMON GOLDENBACK Dinopium javanense 2 were seen at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL) and again on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW), 3 at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS), 1 at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW) and a pair at DFNP on 19/5 (LKS/KW). LINEATED BARBET Megalaima lineata 4 were seen at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW) and 1 at DFNP on 19/5 (LKS/KW). RED-CROWNED BARBET Megalaiam rafflesii 1 was seen at MacRitchie Reservoir and 1 heard at Sime Track, CCNR, both on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). COPPERSMTH BARBET Megalaima haemacephala 1 seen at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL) and 29/5 (LKS/YDL). In addition, 1 was also seen at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW) and 1 at Botanic Gardens on 30/5 (LKS). ORIENTAL PIED HORNBILL Anthracoceros albirostris At Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, 3 were seen on 22/5 (DL/LJS/TKH), 1 heard on 23/5 (LKK/LKS/SSL) and 2 seen on 30/5 (KK). Another bird was seen flying from Changi Point to Pulau Ubin on 30/5 (KK)

19 ORIENTAL DOLLARBIRD Eurystomus orientalis 2 were seen at Lorong Halus on 2/5 (DA/LKS). In addition, at SBWR, 2 were seen on 9/5 (LKS) and again on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER Pelargopsis capensis 1 bird was flushed by a low flying Changeable Hawk Eagle at Lorong Halus on 22/5 (LKS/YDL). It was seen here again on 29/5 (LKS/YDL). BLUE-THROATED BEE-EATER Merops viridis 2 seen at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL), 1 at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW), and 3 at Jelutong Tower, CCNR, on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). BANDED BAY CUCKOO Cacomantis sonnerati 1 was heard at Sungei Buloh on 7/5 (LKS), 1 heard at DFNP on 19/5 (LKS) and 1 heard at Lorong Halus on 29/5 (LKS/YDL). PLAINTIVE CUCKOO Cacomantis merulinus 1 was heard at Lorong Halus on 22/5 (LKS/YDL) and 29/5 (LKS/YDL). RUSTY-BREASTED CUCKOO Cacomantis sepulcralis At Lorong Halus, 2 were heard on 2/5 (LKS), and 1 heard on 8/5 (LKS/YDL) and 29/5 (LKS/YDL). In addition, 1 was also seen at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS). LITTLE BRONZE CUCKOO Chrysococcyx minutillus At Lorong Halus, a female was seen on 2/5 (DA/LKS), 1 heard on 8/5 (LKS/YDL) and 1 seen on 22/5 (LKS/YDL). 1 was also heard at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS). VIOLET CUCKOO Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus 1 seen at Island Club Road on 16/5 (LKS). ASIAN DRONGO-CUCKOO Surniculus lugubris 1 was seen at Toh Tuck Woods on 5/5 (DA), 1 seen at Rifle Range Road on 7/5 (HHC/AOY), 1 seen singing at the Singapore Zoo on 8/5 (WCC), another heard at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). TANIMBAR CORELLA Cacatua goffiniana 3 were seen at Changi Village on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). BLUE-RUMPED PARROT Psittinus cyanurus 1 was seen flying over MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). BLUE-CROWNED HANGING PARROT Loriculus galgulus 2 were seen at MacRitchie Reservoir and 2 at Jelutong Tower, CCNR, both on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW), 1 at Venus Trail on 16/5 (LKS) and 2 at Island Club Roads on 16/5 9LKS)

20 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri 7 were counted at Lorong Halus on 22/5 (LKS/YDL) and 1 seen flying over Botanic Gardens on 30/5 (LKS). RED-BREASTED PARAKEET Psittacula alexandri 6 counted at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL) and 3 at DFNP on 19/5 (LKS/KW). LONG-TAILED PARAKEET Psittacula longicauda 10 seen at MacRitchie Reservoir on on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). ASIAN PALMSWIFT Cypsiurus balasiensis 1 seen flying low at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL). SPOTTED WOOD OWL Strix seloputo At SBG, 1 was seen roosting in a tree on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 2 adults and a juvenile on 25/5 (AC). Another bird was seen in second growth at Venus Trail on 8/5 (GF/RO). RED TURTLE-DOVE Streptopelia tranquebarica 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW) and 3 at Turut Track on 25/5 (UR). COMMON EMERALD DOVE Chalcophaps indica 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 29/5 (LKS/NR). JAMBU FRUIT-DOVE Ptilinopus jambu A juvenile male was seen at BBNP on 9/5 (ST). 2 females were also seen feeding on fruits on a fig tree above the boardwalk at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). PIED IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula bicolor 1 seen at West Coast Park on 2/5 (KCL). RED-LEGGED CRAKE Rallina fasciata 1 was heard in second growth at Venus Trail on 16/5 (LKS) and 1 heard at DFNP on 19/5 (LKS). RUDDY-BREASTED CRAKE Porzana fusca At Lorong Halus, 1 was seen on 2/5 (DA/LKS) and 1 seen and 1 heard on 8/5 (LKS/YDL). SNIPE SPP. 1 was seen in a field at Choa Chu Kang Road on 21/5 (LJS). BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica 1 at Tg Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on 22/5 (DL/LJS/TKH) and 1 seen with a Grey Plover on Pulau Sekudu on 23/5 (LKK/LKS/SSL)

21 WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus At the main pond at SBWR, 28 were counted on 9/5 (LKS) and 1 on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). 2 were also seen at Changi Cove on 9/5 (BL).On Pulau Ubin, 3 were seen on 22/5 (DL/LJS/TKH) and 1 seen on 23/5 (LKK/LKS/SSL). COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 2/5 (DA/LKS) and 8/5 (LKS/YDL). In addition, at the main pond at SBWR, 4 were seen on 9/5 (LKS) and 2 on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola 11 birds were counted roosting on Pulau Sekudu on 22/5 (DL/LJS/TKH) and 23/5 (LKK/LKS/SSL). MALAYSIAN PLOVER Charadrius peronii 4 were counted at Changi Cove on 9/5 (BL). LESSER SAND PLOVER Charadrius mongolus 5 were seen at Tg Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on 22/5 (DL/LJS/TKH). RED-WATTLED LAPWING Vanellus indicus 2 were seen at Pasir Laba on 17/5 (LJS), 2 at Pulau Punggol Barat on 21/5 (HB/GF/JLe/JLi), 2 at Paya Lebar Ariport on 25/5 (AVC) and 2 at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/5 (UR). BLACK-NAPED TERN Sterna sumatrana 2 birds were seen mating on a beacon off Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, on 23/5 (LKS). LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons 2 summer birds were seen plying Sungei Serangoon on 8/5 (LKS/YDL), 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW), 22/5 (LKS/YDL) and 29/5 (LKS/YDL). 2 summer birds were also seen off Pulau Ubin on 23/5 (LKS). GREY-HEADED FISH-EAGLE Ichthyophaga ichyaetus 1 seen flying over Burgundy Drive on 6/5 (DA), 1 juvenile seen flying and then perched at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW) and 1 adults at Bukit Batok Town Park on 29/5 (DA/NK/PAH). JAPANESE SPARROWHAWK Accipiter gularis 2 were reported flying over Pasir Laba Camp on 21/5 (LJS). Another unidentified bird was seen at Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on 22/5 (LJS). CHANGEABLE HAWK-EAGLE Spizaetus cirrhatus A dark morph was seen at Lorong Halus on 2/5 (LKS) and 22/5 (LKS/YDL), 1 pale morph at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS), 1 heard at Bukit Kalang Service Reservoir on 16/5 (LKS), 2 at Dairy Farm Nature Park on 23/5 (BL) and 1 heard at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/5 (UR). At Singapore Quarry, 1 was present throughout the month with 2 seen on 23/5 (UR)

22 PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus 1 seen at Bishan on 6/5 (SCH). LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis At Lorong Halus, 4 were counted on 2/5 (DA/LKS), and a pair on 8/5 (LKS/YDL), 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW) and 22/5 (LKS/YDL). At Singapore Quarry, 4 birds were seen on 19/5 (LLKS/KW) and 6 on 30/5 (UR). See also Nesting Report below. LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta At Lorong Halus, 8 were counted on 2/5 (DA/LKS), 1 on 8/5 (LKS/YDL) and 1 on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). In addition, at SBWR, 14 were seen on 9/5 (LKS) and 10 on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). PACIFIC REEF HERON Egretta sacra 1 seen at Tuas South on 11/5 (MS). GREY HERON Ardea cinerea At Lorong Halus, 4 were seen on 2/5 (DA/LKS), 7 on 8/5 (LKS/YDL), 7 on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW), 6 on 22/5 (LKS/YDL) and 4 on 29/5 (LKS/YDL). In addition, at SBWR, 3 were seen on 9/5 (LKS) and 1 on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). 4 birds were also seen on Pulau Ubin on 23/5 (LKK/LKS/SSL). GREAT-BILLED HERON Ardea sumatrana 1 seen at Tg Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on 16/5 (AC) and 22/5 (DL/LJS/TKH). PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea 2 were seen at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS), 1 at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/5 (UR) and 1 seen at Lorong Halus on 29/5 (LKS/YDL). GREAT EGRET Casmerodius albus 1 seen at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL) and 1 at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS). JAVAN POND HERON Ardeola speciosa An unconfirmed report of 2 summer birds at West Coast Park on 2/5 (KCL). BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON Nycticorax nycticorax An adult was flushed from a mangrove fragment at Lorong Halus on 22/5 (LKS/YDL). YELLOW BITTERN Ixobrychus sinensis At Lorong Halus, 2 were seen on 2/5 (DA/LKS), and 1 on 8/5 (LKS/YDL) and 22/5 (LKS/YDL). In addition, 1 was seen at SBWR on 6/5 (LKS). CINNAMON BITTERN Ixobrychus cinnamomeus 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 2/5 (DA/LKS) and 1 at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/5 (UR). BLUE-WINGED PITTA Pitta moluccensis At least 1 was heard at Kranji Nature Trail on 13/5 (PL)

23 MANGROVE PITTA Pitta megarhyncha 1 heard at Tg Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on 30/5 (KK). ASIAN FAIRY-BLUEBIRD Irena puella 2 were seen at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW) and 1 at Island Club Road on 16/5 (LKS). LESSER GREEN LEAFBIRD Chloropsis cyanopogon A pair was seen at Sime Track, CCNR, on 16/5 (LKS). LONG-TAILED SHRIKE Lanius schach 2 were seen at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL), 22/5 (LKS/YDL) and 29/5 (LKS/YDL). PIED TRILLER Lalage nigra A female was seen being mobbed by a White-vented Myna in an open wooded area at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL), an indication of inter-species aggression not reported before from this region. MANGROVE BLUE FLYCATCHER Cyornis rufigastra In mangroves at Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, a male was first seen on 8/5 (TYH) and seen again on 10/5 (TYH), 16/5 (AC) and 30/5 (KK), and a pair on 13/5 (RT), 14/5 (LTK) and 22/5 (DL/LJS/TKH). Continued monitoring confirmed that a pair was seen attending to the first reported nest in Singapore on 23/5 (LKC) and 24/5 (LTK), and a male was seen on 23/5 (sev obs) and 30/5 (KK). See Nesting Report below. ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN Copsychus saularis A male was seen at Lorong Halus on 2/5 (DA/LKS). In addition, a male was seen at the Singapore Zoo on 8/5 (WCC), 2 heard at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS), a juvenile seen at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW), 1 seen at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/5 (UR) and an adult and a juvenile at Jacob Ballas Garden on 30/5 (LKS). See Nesting Report below. WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA Copsychus malabaricus 1 heard in swampforest at Golf Link, CCNR, on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW), 1 male seen on Pulau Ubin on 23/5 (LKS) and a pair calling at Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, on 30/5 (KK). COMMON HILL MYNA Gracula religiosa 4 were seen at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW) and 8 feeding on figs at Biopolis on 20/5 (AOY). STRAW-HEADED BULBUL Pycnonotus zeylanicus 1 was heard at Rifle Range Road on 7/5 (HHC/AOY), 1 heard at DFNP on 19/5 (LKS), 3 seen on Pulau Ubin on 23/5 (sev obs) and 1 heard at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 25/5 (UR). RED-WHISKERED BULBUL Pycnonotus jocosus 3 were seen at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL)

24 SOOTY-HEADED BULBUL Pycnonotus aurigaster At Lorong Halus, 4 were counted on 8/5 (LKS/YDL), 2 on 22/5 (LKS/YDL) and 1 on 29/5 (LKS/YDL). ASIAN RED-EYED BULBUL Pycnonotus brunneus 5 birds were counted at MacRitchi Reservoir near a fruiting waringin tree on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE Zosterops palpebrosus 1 heard at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS), 1 heard at Island Club Road on 16/5 (LKS) and 2 seen at DFNP on 19/5 (LKS/KW). PALLAS S GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER Locustella certhiola 2 were heard in tall grass at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL). BLACK-BROWED REED-WARBLER Acrocephalus bistrigiceps 1 was seen at Kranji Marsh on 8/5 (ST). ORIENTAL REED-WARBLER Acrocephalus orientalis 1 was heard at Lorong Halus on 2/5 (LKS). RUFOUS-TAILED TAILORBIRD Orthotomus sericeus 1 heard in overgrown second growth at Lorong Halus on 29/5 (LKS/YDL) shows the ability of this resident warbler to survive in pockets of scrub. ABBOTT S BABBLER Malacocincla abbotti 1 was heard in second growth at Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, on 23/5 (sev obs). CHESTNUT-WINGED BABBLER Stachyris erythroptera 1 was heard at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). YELLOW-VENTED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum chrysorrheum 1 was seen at BBNP on 9/5 (ST). PURPLE-THROATED SUNBIRD Nectarinia sperata Several were seen at Sime Track, CCNR, on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). Another male was also seen high on a tree singing at Sime Track, CCNR, on 16/5 (LKS). COPPER-THROATED SUNBIRD Nectarinia calcostetha 1 was heard at SBWR on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). CRIMSON SUNBIRD Aethopyga siparaja A pair was seen in mangroves at Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, on 23/5 (sev obs). LITTLE SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera longirostris 1 was heard at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW)

25 BLACK-HEADED MUNIA Lonchura malacca At Lorong Halus, 3 were seen on 8/5 (LKS/YDL) and 2 on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW). WHITE-HEADED MUNIA Lonchura maja 1 was seen at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL). BREEDING / NESTING REPORTS SUNDA PYGMY WOODPECKER Dendrocopus moluccensis 1 seen entering a hole on a dead branch high up an albizia at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL) could have been nesting. BLUE-THROATED BEE-EATER Merops viridis A pair seen guarding the entrance to a hole on a sand pile at Lorong Halus on 2/5 (DA/LKS) may have been nesting. BRAHMINY KITE Haliastur indus An adult carrying nesting material over Burgundy Woods on 3/5 (DA) was observed being mobbed by a Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis A pair was seen building a new nest in a pond at Lorong Halus on 8/5 (LKS/YDL). On 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW), 1 bird was seen sitting on it, apparently incubating, with another bird nearby. Unfortunately, there was no sign of nesting on 22/5 (LKS/YDL), as the birds stayed away from its nest which appeared damaged. At Singapore Quarry, an incomplete nest was seen on 23/5 (KK) and 2 nests on 30/5 (UR). COMMON IORA Aegithina tiphia A pair was seen 2 newly-fledged chicks in a worn nest built on a Penaga Laut at one end of the coastal boardwalk at Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, on 23/5 (LKK/LKS/SSL). MANGROVE BLUE FLYCATCHER Cyornis rufigastra At Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, a pair was seen Mangrove Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra chick at Pulau Ubin on 24 May 2010 By Lee Tiah Khee. attending to a nest with two well-developed chicks on 21/5 (LTK), 23/5 (LKC) and 24/5 (LTK)

26 ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN Copsychus saularis A juvenile seen at MacRitchie Reservoir on 15/5 (LKS/AW/KW) is suggestive of local breeding. Another juvenile was seen at Jacob Ballas Garden on 30/5 (LKS). PACIFIC SWALLOW Hirundo tahitica 2 juveniles were seen being fed by adults at a tower on Pulau Ubin on 23/5 (LKS). An adult was also seen feeding a juvenile at Lorong Halus on 29/5 (LKS/YDL). YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL Pycnonotus goiavier 1 seen carrying nest material at Lorong Halus on 2/5 (DA/LKS). A newly fledged juvenile was also seen at SBWR on 6/5 (LKS) and another bird seen carrying a dead leaf at Island Club Road on 16/5 (LKS). Another nest at Singapore Quarry was nearly complete on 14/5 but missing on 21/5 (UR). ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE Zosterops palpebrosus Nest reported last month at Burgundy Drive appear to have been predated as an adult came in with food on 1/5 (DA) but without any response from the chicks. COPPER-THROATED SUNBIRD Nectarinia calcostetha 1 female was seen entering a low nest suspended on a Bruguierea sapling 0.5 m above the bund at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS). The male was seen in attendance. OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD Nectarinia jugularis An adult was seen siting on eggs in a nest at Hume Avenue on 16/5 and feeding of young seen on 31/5 (UR). BAYA WEAVER Ploceus philippinus A total of 61 nests in 15 trees counted at Lorong Halus on 2/5 (DA/LKS). REPORT ON ESCAPEES INDIAN PEAFOWL Pavo muticus A male seen roosting in a tree around the lobby of Sentosa Resort & Spa on 19/5 (LKS/KW). BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus 4 were seen at the SBG Ecolake on 30/5 (LKS/LWH/LWX/SA). ORIENTAL PIED HORNBILL Anthracoceros albirostris An escaped bird was seen visiting two captives in a large cage at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS). This is apparently a part of a reintroduction programme. MILKY STORK Mycteria cinerea 1 seen with a Little Egret at SBWR on 9/5 (LKS) and 4 at Lorong Halus on 29/5 (LKS/YDL). Over Woodlands Street 41, 3 were seen on 4/5, 2 on 6/5 and 1 on 10/5 (all MY). These are apparently free-flying birds from the Singapore Zoo

27 JOHOR GREAT ARGUS Argusianus argus 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 25/5 (LKS/NR). RUFOUS WOODPECKER Celeus brachyurus 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). WHITE-BELLIED WOODPECKER Dryocopus javensis 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). CRIMSON-WINGED WOODPECKER Picus puniceus 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). CHECKER-THROATED WOODPECKER Picus mentalis At Bunker Track, PFR, 2 were seen on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 1 on 25/5 (LKS/NR). BUFF-RUMPED WOODPECKER Meiglyptes tristis At Bunker Track, PFR, a male was seen on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 2 on 25/5 (LKS/NR). GREY-AND-BUFF WOODPECKER Hemicircus concretus 3 were seen at Bunkr Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). RED-CROWNED BARBET Megalaima rafflesii A pair was seen feeding in a fruiting tree at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). YELOW-CROWNED BARBET Megalaima henricii 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). BLUE-EARED BARBET Megalaima australis At Bunker Track, PFR, 2 were seen on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 1 on 25/5 (LKS/NR). BROWN BARBET Calorhamphus fuliginosus 4 birds were seen at Bunker Track on 25/5 (LKS/NR). BLACK HORNBILL Anthracoceros malayanus 1 was seen by the Kota Tinggi-Mawai Road on 19/5 (LKS/KW). BUSHY-CRESTED HORNBILL Anorrhinus galeritus 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). DIARD S TROGON Harpactes diardii 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS)

28 SCARLET-RUMPED TROGON Harpactes duvaucelii At Bunker Track, PFR, a pair was seen on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 1 heard on 25/5 (LKS/NR). MALAYSIAN HAWK-CUCKOO Cuculus fugax 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). INDIAN CUCKOO Cuculus micropterus 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). PLAINTIVE CUCKOO Cacomantis merulinus 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 25/5 (LKS/NR). VIOLET CUCKOO Chrysococcyx xanthorhynchus 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). ASIAN DRONGO-CUCKOO Surniculus lugubris 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 25/5 (LKS/NR). RAFFLES S MALKOHA Phaenicophaeus sumatranus 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). GREATER COUCAL Centropus sinensis 1 was seen in scrubby habitat beside a stream at the 8 km mark, Bunker Track, PFR on 19/5 (LKS/KW). BLUE-RUMPED PARROT Psittinus cyanurus 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). BLUE-CROWNED HANGING PARROT Loriculus galgulus A group of 5 birds were seen gathering at a flowering tree at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). SILVER-RUMPED SPINETAIL Rhaphidura leucopygialis 4 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 25/5 (LKS/NR). BLYTH S FROGMOUTH Batrachostomus affinis A family of 3 birds was seen roosting at pre-dawn at Bunker Trail on 1/5 (DL/LJS/TKH). LITTLE GREEN PIGEON Treron olax 10 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). JAMBU FRUIT DOVE Ptilinopus jambu A male was seen high up a tree at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE Spilornis cheela 3 seen along the Kota Tinggi-Mersing Road on 19/5 (LKS/AW)

29 DUSKY BROADBILL Corydon sumatranus 5 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). BLACK-AND-YELLOW BROADBILL Eurylaimus ochromalus 5 birds including 2 pairs were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). GREATER GREEN LEAFBIRD Chloropsis sonnerati A female was seen in a flowering tree at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 25/5 (LKS/NR). LESSER GREEN LEAFBIRD Chloropsis cyanopgon At Bunker Track, PFR, a male was seen on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and a pair on 25/5 (LKS/NR). RAIL BABBLER Eupetes macrocercus 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). BLACK MAGPIE Platysmurus leucopterus 1 was heard at the first stream at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). DARK-THROATED ORIOLE Oriolus xanthonotus 3 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). LESSER CUCKOOSHRIKE Coracina fimbriata 1 female was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). SCARLET MINIVET Pericrocotus flammeus 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 25/5 (LKS/NR). RUFOUS-WINGED PHILENTOMA Philentoma pyropterum 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). LARGE WOODSHRIKE Tephrodornis gularis 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). PALE BLUE FLYCATCHER Cyornis unicolor An adult male was seen singing high up a tree at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). RUFOUS-TAILED SHAMA Trichixos pyrropyga A male was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). PUFF-BACKED BULBUL Pycnonotus eutilotus 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). SPECTACLED BULBUL Pycnonotus erythropthalmos 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW)

30 YELLOW-BELLIED BULBUL Alophoixus phaeocephalus 5 were counted at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). STREAKED BULBUL Ixos malaccensis 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). ASHY BULBUL Hemixos flavala 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). EVERETT S WHITE-EYE Zosterops everetti 4 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). HORSFIELD S BABBLER Malacocincla separium 3 birds were heard calling at the second stream at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). BLACK-CAPPED BABBLER Pellorneum capistratum 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). MOUSTACHED BABBLER Malacopteron magnirostre 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). GREY-BREASTED BABBLER Malacopteron albogulare 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 23/5 (SMA/TJL). GREY-HEADED BABBLER Stachyris poliocephala 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). CHESTNUT-RUMPED BABBLER Stachyris maculata 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFDR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). CHESTNUT-WINGED BABBLER Stachyris erythroptera 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). YELLOW-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER Prionochilus maculatus 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). CRIMSON-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER Prionochilus percussus 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). BROWN-BACKED FLOWERPECKER Dicaeum everetti 1 photographed at Bunker Track, PFR, on 9/5 (ALT). PLAIN SUNBIRD Anthreptes simplex 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR)

31 RED-THROATED SUNBIRD Anthreptes rhodolaema A male was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW). RUBY-CHEEKED SUNBIRD Anthreptes singalensis A male was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). PURPLE-NAPED SUNBIRD Hypogramma hypogrammicum 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 19/5 (LKS/KW) and 25/5 (LKS/NR). SPECTACLED SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera flavigaster 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). WHITE-BELLIED MUNIA Lonchura leucogastra 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 25/5 (LKS/NR). JUNE 2010 SINGAPORE RED JUNGLEFOWL Gallus gallus 2 males, 8 females and a chick were seen at Pasir Ris Park on 6/6 (FSC). WANDERING WHISTLING DUCK Dendrocygna arcuata 3 were seen at SBG Ecolake on 16/6 (SB/LKS). LESSER WHISTLING-DUCK Dendrocygna javanica 9 were counted at SBG Ecolake on 16/6 (SB/LKS). COMMON GOLDENBACK Dinopium javanense 1 female was seen at Singapore Quarry on 16/6 (SB/LKS). LINEATED BARBET Megalaima lineata 1 was heard at MacRitchie Reservoir on 16/6 (SB/LKS) and 2 heard at Singapore Quarry on 16/6 (SB/LKS). RED-CROWNED BARBET Megalaima rafflesii 1 was heard at Sime Track, CCNR, on 16/6 (SB/LKS). ORIENTAL DOLLARBIRD Eurystomus orientalis 1 was seen at SBWR on 16/6 (SB/LKS). ORIENTAL PIED HORNBILL Anthracoceros albirostris On Pulau Ubin, 3 birds were seen on 18/6 (LKS) and 2 on 21/6 (LKS)

32 BLUE-EARED KINGFISHER Alcedo meninting 1 seen and photographed at Mandai Orchid Garden on 7/6 (LTK). Blue-eared Kingfisher at Mandai Orchid Garden on 7 June 2010 By Lee Tiah Khee. STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER Pelargopsis capensis 1 was seen at Sungei Buloh on 16/6 (SB/LKS). BLUE-THROATED BEE-EATER Merops viridis 1 was seen at Jelutong Tower, CCNR, on 16/6 (SB/LKS) and 2 seen at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 16/6 (SB/LKS). ASIAN DRONGO-CUCKOO Surniculus lugubris 1 seen flying over Singapore Quarry on 16/6 (SB/LKS). TANIMBAR CORELLA Cacatua goffiniana 2 seen with a large yellow-crested cockatoo at Keppel Club on 13/6 (DA). BLUE-RUMPED PARROT Psittinus cyanurus 3 were seen over MacRitchie Reservoir and 2 over Jelutong Tower, CCNR, on 16/6 (SB/LKS). In addition, 5 birds were seen flying over Singapore Quarry on 16/6 (SB/LKS). ASIAN PALMSWIFT Cypsiurus balasiensis 1 was seen at MacRitchie Reservoir on 16/6 (SB.LKS)

33 BROWN HAWK-OWL Ninox scutulata 1 was seen at Golf Link, CCNR, on 16/6 (SB/LKS). RED TURTLE-DOVE Streptopelia tranquebarica 1 was seen at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 16/6 (SB/LKS). THICK-BILLED GREEN PIGEON Treron curvirostra 4 were seen at MacRitchie Reservoir on 16/6 (SB/LKS). PIED IMPERIAL PIGEON Ducula bicolor 4 were seen at Sungei Pandan on 15/6 (KCL) and 2 feeding on the fruits of a palm at West Coast Park on 21/6 (KCL). SLATY-BREASTED RAIL Gallirallus striatus 1 was heard at Ketam Quarry, Pulau Ubin, on 10/6 (LKS). WHITE-BROWED CRAKE Porzana cinerea 1 was seen at a pond at Kranji Marshes on 16/6 (SB/LKS). COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus 2 were seen at a pond at Kranji Marshes on 16/6 (SB/LKS). WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus at SBWR on 12/6 (RK) and 18 here on 16/6 (SB/LKS) and 1 at Tg Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin on 18/6 (LKS) appear to be the only stragglers left in Singapore. COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus 2 seen at SBWR on 12/6 (RK) were apparently overstayers. RED-WATTLED LAPWING Vanellus indicus 5 noisy birds were seen at Kranji Marshes on 16/6 (SB/LKS). BLACK-NAPED TERN Sterna sumatrana 1 seen off Pulau Ubin on 10/6 (LKS) and 2 seen on buoys off Tg Belayar on 29-20/6 (DA). LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons 1 was seen off Tg Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, on 10/6 (LKS) and 18/6 (LKS). 1 was seen at Sg Pandan on 15/6 (KCL) and 4 birds on Pulau Ubin on 21/6 (LKS). OSPREY Pandion haliaetus 1 was seen at Kranji Marshes on 16/6 (SB/LKS). GREY-HEADED FISH-EAGLE Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus 1 was seen flying over MacRitchie Reservoir on 16/6 (SB/LKS)

34 CHANGEABLE HAWK EAGLE Spizaetus cirrhatus 1 present at Singapore Quarry on 6/6 and 10/6 (UR). LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis At Singapore Quarry, 7 were seen on 10/6 (UR), 4 on 16/6 (SB/LKS) and 8 on 21/6 (UR). LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta 6 were seen at SBWR on 16/6 (SB/LKS). GREY HERON Ardea cinerea 5 were seen at SBWR on 16/6 (SB/LKS). GREAT-BILLED HERON Ardea sumatrana 1 was seen roosting in a tree at Pulau Buloh on 16/6 (SB/LKS). At Tg Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, 2 birds were seen on 18/6 and 1 on 21/6 (both LKS). PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea 1 was seen at Sungei Pandan on 15/6 (KCL), 1 at SBWR on 16/6 (SB) and 1 at Kranji Marshes on 16/6 (SB/LKS). CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis 2 seen at Woodlands MRT Station on 25/6 (LKS). BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON Nycticorax nycticorax An adult was seen with nest material at Changi Business Park on 20/6 (HB). YELLOW BITTERN Ixobrychus sinensis 1 was seen at Kranji Marshes on 16/6 (SB/LKS). CINNAMON BITTERN Ixobrychus cinnamomeus 1 was seen at Kranji Marshes on 16/6 (SB). BLUE-WINGED PITTA Pitta moluccensis 1 heard calling at Mandai Track 13 on 6/6 (LKC). LESSER GREEN LEAFBIRD Chloropsis cyanopogon A male was seen at Jelutong Tower, CCNR, on 16/6 (SB/LKS). LONG-TAILED SHRIKE Lanius schach 1 tail-less individual was seen at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 16/6 (SB/LKS). ORIENTAL MAGPIE ROBIN Copsychus saularis 1 was seen at Changi Beach Park on 10/6 (LKS), a male seen at MacRitchie Reservoir on 16/6 (SB/LKS) and 1 on Pulau Ubin on 18/6 (LKS)

35 WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA Copsychus malabaricus 1 was heard at MacRitchie Reservoir on 16/6 (SB/LKS). In addition, at Tg Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, 1 was heard on 18/6 (LKS) and 1 male seen singing on 21/6 (LKS). COMMON HILL MYNA Gracula religiosa 5 were seen at Sime Track, CCNR, on 16/6 (SB/LKS). STRAW-HEADED BULBUL Pycnonotus zeylanicus 1 present at Singapore Quarry throughout June (UR). ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE Zosterops palpebrosus 5 were seen at Singapore Quarry on 16/6 (SB/LKS). BREEDING / NESTING REPORTS LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis The first nest reported last month at Singapore Quarry was found to have been destroyed on 6/6 (UR). WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN Amaurornis phoenicurus 2 immatures were seen with 2 adults and an immature seen with an adult at two separate locations at SBWR on 16/6 (SB/LKS). WHITE-BELLIED SEA EAGLE Haliaeetus leucogaster A pair was seen with an immature at Keppel Club on 13/6 (DA), indicating successful breeding. GREATER RACKET-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus paradiseus An adult was seen feeding a begging juvenile a large grasshopper at BTNR on 29/6 (LKS). YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL Pycnonotus goiavier A pair of adults was seen attending to two recently f ledged juveniles with very short tails at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 16/6 (SV/LKS). DARK-NECKED TAILORBIRD Orthotomus atrogularis A male was seen collecting nesting material and adding to a nest on a Vitex sapling 1m above the water at Ubin Quarry, Pulau Ubin, on 10/6 (LKS). OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD Nectarinia jugularis The nest reported last month at Hume Avenue had the last chick leaving on 7/6 (UR). BAYA WEAVER Ploceus philippinus 1 was seen carrying nest material at Neo Tiew Lane 2 on 16/6 (SB/LKS)

36 REPORT ON ESCAPEES RED JUNGLEFOWL Gallus gallus 7-8 birds were seen on the grass verge along Pasir Panjang Road on 27/6 (KCL). BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus At the SBG Ecolake, 4 were seen on 16/6 (SB/LKS). MILKY STORK Mycteria cinerea 2 were seen at SBWR on 16/6 (SB/LKS). PAINTED STORK Mycteria leucocephala 1 was seen with Milky Storks at SBWR on 16/6 (SB/LKS). JOHOR RED JUNGLEFOWL Gallus gallus 1 heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). GREAT ARGUS Argusianus argus 2 were heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). RUFOUS WOODPECKER Celeus brachyurus 2 were heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). BUFF-NECKED WOODPECKER Meiglyptes tukki 1 seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). GREY-AND-BUFF WOODPECKER Hemicircus concretus A male was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). RED-CROWNED BARBET Megalaima rafflesii 4 heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). YELLOW-CROWNED BARBET Megalaima henricii 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). BLUE-EARED BARBET Megalaima australis 3 were heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). BLACK HORNBILL Anthracoceros malayanus 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). RED-NAPED TROGON Harpactes kasumba

37 A male was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). DIARD S TROGON Harpactes diardi 2 males were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). SCARLET-RUMPED TROGON Harpactes duvaucelii A male was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). RED-BEARDED BEE-EATER Nyctyornis amictus 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). PLAINTIVE CUCKOO Cacomantis merulinus 1 heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). ASIAN DRONGO CUCKOO Surniculus lugubris 2 heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). RAFFLES S MALKOHA Phaenicophaeus chlorophaeus A female was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). RED-BILLED MALKOHA Phaenicophaeus javanicus 1 seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). MALAYSIAN EARED NIGHTJAR Eurostopodus temminckii 1 seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). WHISKERED TREESWIFT Hemiprocne comata 3 seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). BAT HAWK Macheiramphus alcinus 2 seen flying over at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). DUSKY BROADBILL Corydon sumatranus 5 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). BANDED BROADBILL Eurylaimus javanicus 2 were heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). BLACK-AND-YELLOW BROADBILL Eurylaimus ochromalus 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). GREEN BROADBILL Calyptomena viridis 1 was heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). FIERY MINIVET Pericrocotus igneus 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK)

38 SCARLET MINIVET Pericrocotus flammeus 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). BLACK-WINGED FLYCATCHER-SHRIKE Hemipus hirundinaceus 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). RUFOUS-WINGED PHILENTOMA Philentoma pyropterum 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). WHITE-CROWNED FORKTAIL Enicurus leschenaultii 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). PUFF-BACKED BULBUL Pycnonotus eutilotus 3 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). SPECTACLED BULBUL Pycnonotus erythropthalmos 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). FINSCH S BULBUL Alophoixus finschii 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). YELLOW-BELLIED BULBUL Alophoixus phaeocephalus 3 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). EVERETT S WHITE-EYE Zosterops everetti 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). WHITE-CHESTED BABBLER Trichastoma rostratum 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). FERRUGINOUS BABBLER Trichastoma bicolor 2 were heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). HORSFIELD S BABBLER Malacocincla separium 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). BLACK-CAPPED BABBLER Pellorneum capistratum 3 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). MOUSTACHED BABBLER Malacopteron magnirostre 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). SOOTY-CAPPED BABBLER Malacopteron affine 5 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). GREY-HEADED BABBLER Stachyris poliocephala 2 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK)

39 FLUFFY-BACKED TIT-BABBLER Macronous ptilosus 5 were seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). PLAIN SUNBIRD Anthreptes simplex 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). PURPLE-NAPED SUNBIRD Hypogramma hypogrammicum 3 were heard at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). SPECTACLED SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera flavigaster 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). GREY-BREASTED SPIDERHUNTER Arachnothera affinis 1 was seen at Bunker Track, PFR, on 6/6 (JC/AC/WF/LKK). LATE REPORTS ORIENTAL PIED HORNBILL Anthracoceros albirostris 2 were seen in mangrove at Pasir Ris Park on 7/3 (JL). COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis 1was present at Pasir Ris Park on 7/3 (JL). STORK-BILLED KINGFISHER Pelargopsis capensis 1was present at Pasir Ris Park on 7/3 (JL). BLACK-CAPPED KINGFISHER Halcyon pileata 1was present at Pasir Ris Park on 7/3 (JL) and 1 at Singapore Quarry on 31/3 (UR). WHITE-FACED PLOVER Charadrius dealbatus 1 was photographed at Changi Cove on 6/3 (JCo). CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis 10, including 2 in breeding plumage, were seen at a field adjacent to Changi Business Park on 28/3 (HB), CHINESE POND-HERON Ardeola bacchus 3, 2 in partial summer, were seen in a boggy field at Changi Business Park on 28/3 (HB). BROWN SHRIKE Lanius cristatus 1 of subspecies confusus seen and photographed at Changi Business Park on 28/3 (HB). FOREST WAGTAIL Dendronanthus indicus 1 was seen and photographed at Bidadari Cemetery on 6/3 (FSC)

40 Singapore Raptor Report Late Spring Migration 2011 (April-May) By Tan Gim Cheong SUMMARY A 2-hr period at Tuas from hrs on 01 April 2011 produced 26 Oriental Honey Buzzards and 9 Japanese Sparrowhawks. Most of the other migrant raptors had already left and we only had 2 Ospreys, another Oriental Honey Buzzard and a few Peregrine Falcons. Oriental Honey Buzzard at Jurong West, by Low Choon How. Migrants Osprey 1 seen at Central Catchment on 09 Apr 11 by Jean-Marc and Val CHAVATTE. 1 seen and photographed at Kranji on 27 May 11 by Lee Tiah Khee. Oriental Honey Buzzard 26 seen at Tuas on 01 Apr 11 between 4.40 to 6.45pm by Gloria Seow, Tan Hang Chong and Martti Siponen. 1 seen and photographed at Jurong West on 31 May 11 by Low Choon How. Japanese Sparrowhawk 9 seen at Tuas on 01 Apr 11 between 4.40pm to 6.45pm by Gloria Seow, Tan Hang Chong and Martti Siponen. Peregrine Falcon 1 seen at Tuas on 01 Apr 11 between 4.40pm to 6.45pm by Gloria Seow, Tan Hang Chong and Martti Siponen. 1 seen eating prey on top of 25 storey flat at Sengkang on 06 April 11 by Calvin. 1 seen, photographed and videoed eating a pigeon outside high rise office window at Raffles Place on 15 Apr 11 by Brian

41 Resident Raptors Black-winged Kite 1 seen at Tuas on 05 Apr 11 by Felix Wong. 3 juveniles seen and photographed together on 14 May 11 by Lee Tiah Khee. Brahminy Kite 4 seen at Pulau Ubin/Changi Village on 02 Apr 11 by Jean-Marc and Val CHAVATTE. 1 seen near Hort Park at bottom of Kent Ridge on 05 Apr 11 by Terry Heppell. 1 seen at Central Catchment on 09 Apr 11 by Jean-Marc and Val CHAVATTE. White-bellied Sea Eagle 3 seen at Pulau Ubin/Changi Village on 02 Apr 11 by Jean-Marc and Val CHAVATTE. 1 seen at Central Catchment on 09 Apr 11 by Jean-Marc and Val CHAVATTE. 1 seated on nest with beak ajar on a warm day at Choa Chu Kang on 18 Apr 11 by Harry Ong. 3 (2 adult, 1 juv) seen at Kranji on 27 May 11 by Lee Tiah Khee. Grey-headed Fish Eagle 1 seen at Pulau Ubin/Changi Village on 02 Apr 11 by Jean-Marc and Val CHAVATTE. Changeable Hawk-eagle 1 seen calling from an Albizia tree at Toh Tuck Road area on 05 Apr 11 by Doreen Ang. 2 circling over Nepal Park at One North and then flying south towards Kent Ridge on 03 May 11 by Alan OwYong 2 dark morphs seen and photographed at Kranji on 27 May 11 by Lee Tiah Khee. Many thanks to everyone who sent in their reports

42 Where have all the House Swifts gone? By Lim Kim Seng Have you been looking up lately? Well, there are many reasons to. Other than watching raptors and other birds flying over, either on migration or on their feeding trips, there appears to be some changes in species composition and abundance of the swift family or Apodidae in the skies above our sunny island. The House Swift Apus nipalensis is classified as a common resident breeder distributed throughout Singapore and its satellite islets (Lim 2009). In fact, Lim & Lim (2009) categorized this species population trend as increasing, based on census data collected between 1996 and 2005 and it was ranked as the 29 th highest in numbers counted over the ten-year period (Figure 1). Although House Swifts remain fairly common, anecdotal evidence suggests that they have declined over the last century. Bucknill & Chasen (1927) reported thousands roosting in the Collyer Quay area in the 1920s. I remember seeing House Swifts quite frequently in the 1970s and 1980s but noticed that they appear to be less in the last few years. There were actually times when I was not seeing House Swifts even though I was looking out for them. I decided to look at our census data for the last ten years. Looking at the Annual Bird Census (ABC) conducted every March from 2000 to 2009 (Figure 1), I could see that House Swift numbers averaged at 71 birds, its peak was in 2005 when 147 birds were counted and its latest figure (2009) was a mere 37 birds. In fact, the 2010 figure showed just 6 birds! Figure 1: Counts of House Swifts in Singapore using data from Annual Bird Census (ABC) and Mid Year Bird Census (MYBC) from

43 I decided to look at more data and analyzed the Mid-Year Bird Census (MYBC) data from 2000 to 2009 (Figure 1). I discovered a similar trend! The average number of birds was 67 birds, very close to ABC data of 71 birds. House Swift counts peaked in 2004 with a count of 122 birds, compared with ABC s peak in Again, the figures were very close! The latest counts were not very good, with just 23 birds in These datasets offer convincing evidence of the decline of House Swifts in Singapore. What could be causing the decline? Has the quality of their food (aerial insects) declined in the intervening 100 years? Has predation of swifts increased? Is the air quality getting worse? Has nesting sites been affected? Is the decline natural or human-induced? To investigate the problem further, I decided to look at swiftlets and see if there was any correlation. Again, I turned to available bird census data for a quantitative assessment. Figure 2: Counts of Swiftlets in Singapore using data from Annual Bird Census (ABC) and Mid Year Bird Census (MYBC) from The census results of the swiftlets, grouped together since the two resident species, Germain s Collocalia germani and Black-nest Swiftlets C. maximus, are very similar and virtually inseparable away from their nests, revealed a major surprise. The swiftlets were outperforming the House Swift in terms of average counts (175 birds for ABC and 338 in MYBC)! There were also clear increasing trends from both ABC and MYBC data centred around 2006, after the declines seen in House Swifts (Figure 2). In fact, the latest counts were 713 and 1, 234 birds in ABC and MYBC respectively. For added clarity, I also analysed data of House Swift versus Swiftlets in their respective censuses (Figures 3 & 4). Again, it was clear from the charts that while House Swifts are declining in abundance, the swiftlets are gaining in numbers very dramatically

44 Figure 3: Counts of House Swifts versus Swiftlets in Singapore (ABC ) Figure 4: Counts of House Swifts versus Swiftlets in Singapore (MYBC )

45 Why are the swiftlets doing so well and the House Swift so poorly? Is there a connection between the decline of House Swifts and the increase in swiftlet numbers? Or are purported links between the two mere coincidence? Other questions to consider include: Is it because of competition? Or is the availability of nesting sites the main issue? Let s look at the first factor diet. House Swifts feed mainly on flying ants (57%), beetles and termites (Wells 1999). In contrast, swiftlets feed on, in order of preference, hymenopterans, mayflies, homopteran bugs and dipterans (Wells 1999). Another difference is that House Swifts tended to feed at higher altitudes than swiftlets (Wells 1999). Nesting preferences also differ. House Swifts construct bulky nests of mud and other plant material that they attach to cliffs, bridges, piers, houses (Wells 1999; pers obs). Swiftlets tend to prefer sea caves and man-made structures such as bridges, flyovers, car parks, old buildings and underground bunkers to attach their nests of pure or mixed saliva (Wells 1999; pers obs). There is some overlap in requirements and therefore some inferred competition for nest sites. Besides the competition faced, there may also be man-made factors. The remarkable rise of swiftlet farming in Southeast Asia has raised concerns that it may impact other swifts and swiftlets through sheer numbers (Poole 2010). The demand for bird s nests in Asia has seen prices soar to US$1,000 per kilogram! Germain s Swiftlets produce nests of pure saliva and is the species that targeted by the farmers in Southeast Asia. They convert old shophouses or erect new buildings that provide rooms with ledges for the birds to attach their nests, and holes for them to enter and leave. These rooms are mostly darkened to simulate sea caves and wild birds are further enticed by the incessant playing of their voices over speakers mounted on top of the building. Entry to these swiftlet farms or swift hotels is jealously quarded by security personnel and barbed wire fencing on the perimeter of these buildings to prevent theft of the much-valued nests. With swiftlet farming proliferating all over Southeast Asia, there is a real danger that other swifts and swiftlets may soon be seriously outnumbered by Germain s Swiftlets. This is assuming that the farmers let the nestlings fledge before harvesting the nests and allow them to supplement the existing populations. Whatever the real factors are, here is a real ornithological puzzle for birders and ornithologists to solve. Future census data will provide us more clues as to whether the trend will continue but the answers are out there somewhere. For now, there are only questions

46 References Bucknill & Chasen (1927). The birds of Singapore Island. Government Printers, Singapore. Lim, K.C. & Lim, K.S. (2009). State of Singapore s Wild Birds and Bird Habitats: A Review of the Annual Bird Census Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore. Lim, K.S. (2009). The avifauna of Singapore. Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore. Poole, C. (2010). Swiftlet farming comes to Cambodia. BirdingAsia 13: Wells (1999). The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Vol 1: Non-Passerines. Academic Press, London. Figure 5: House Swift: Going, going, gone? Photo By Lee Tiah Khee