Thursday, March 28, 2013

Grebes (Phylum Chordata: Order Podicipediformes) of Singapore

Grebes (phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, superclass Tetrapoda, class Aves, order Podicipediformes) are water birds with roundish bodies, small tails and relatively long necks. They are often confused with ducks, but unlike the latter they have pointed bills (instead of broad bills) and toes with leaf-like lobes (instead of webbed feet).

The legs are set towards the back end of the body, allowing them to give powerful kicks with minimum drag, hence making them good swimmers and divers. Most species do not walk well on land since it is hard to balance with the legs set nearer to the tail.

Singapore only has one species, as shown below.

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
The Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) is one of the smallest grebes in the world, growing to just about 25cm long. The above photo features one in its breeding plumage, with the reddish brown neck and yellow spot near the bill. Non-breeding ones will duller, with a light brown neck and breast. This resident species dives to hunt for fish or when it is disturbed.

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
The Little Grebe usually lives in quiet water bodies, such as disused ponds or less accessible areas of reservoirs. The nest is usually constructed with water plants on top of submerged vegetation.



References
  • Robson, C. 2010. New Holland field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: New Holland Publishers. 304 pp.
  • Grebes. Nature's Voice. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Retrieved Mar 28, 2013, http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/families/grebes.aspx.
  • Singapore Birds. Retrieved Mar 28, 2013, http://singaporebirds.blogspot.sg
  • Strange, M. 2000. Photographic guide to the birds of Southeast Asia. Singapore: Periplus. 398 pp.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Waders, Terns & Allies (Phylum Chordata: Order Charadriiformes) of Singapore

Charadriiform birds (phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, superclass Tetrapoda, class Aves, order Charadriiformes) are very diverse in their appearances and behaviours, though most species live near water bodies (and hence many are called shorebirds) and nest on the ground. Most species are also strong flyers, and migrate over long distances during the winter months.

About 70 species of charadriiform birds have been recorded in Singapore, including the waders that wade in water as they forage for food, and the terns that fly around seeking prey. Here are just a few of them:

Malaysian Plover (Charadrius peronii)
The Malaysian Plover (Charadrius peronii) is a rare resident bird which is usually found in coastal areas, such as sandy beaches, rocky shores or mudflats. The male (as above) has a black band across its neck, while the female has a brownish one. It grows to about 15cm long, and its diet comprises mainly of small invertebrates on the surface of the substrate. This species is usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small flocks.

Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus)
The Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus) is a very common winter visitor, and can be seen in coastal areas such as mudflats and beaches. It lacks the white band around the necks of most similar-looking plovers. This species is usually encountered in flocks, sometimes with the similar-looking Greater Sand Plover. It grows to about 20cm long, and feeds mainly on invertebrates on the mud surface.


The Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) is a common winter visitor that is usually seen near rivers or in marshland and coastal areas. Its breast band joins or almost joins at the front. The breeding males have black breast bands and thick, black head bands joining with the thick eye bands, while females have paler ones. The legs are yellowish. This species grow to about 15m long. The above photo was taken in Mongolia.

Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)
The Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva) is a very common winter visitor. Most of the time, huge flocks of them can be seen on the mudflat in their golden-brown, non-breeding plumage. Sometimes, however, some individuals may turn up in their breeding plumage, exhibiting a black underside bordered by a thick white band on both sides. This species grows to about 25cm long, and feeds on small invertebrates.

Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos)
The Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos) is also a very common winter visitor, and can be found near water, including ponds, canals, reservoirs, rivers and wetlands. It grows to about 20cm long, and has a white underside and brown back. It is mostly seen alone, or occasionally in small flocks. It feeds mostly on small invertebrates near the surface of the substrate, and has a habit of bobbing its tail up and down as it forages.

Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
The Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) is a very common winter visitor, which can be recognised by the slightly upturned bill and greenish legs. It grows to about 35cm long, and can be seen in flocks on mudflats and the edges of wetlands. It digs out and feeds on small invertebrates hidden in the substrate.

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
The Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) is a very common winter visitor, and appears very similar to the previous species. It can be differentiated by its thin and straight black bill. This sandpiper grows to about 25cm long, and feeds on small invertebrates hidden in the substrate.

Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)
The Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) is a very common winter visitor that is usually seen in flocks in mangrove forests and mudflats. It can be recognised by its bright reddish orange legs. This bird grows to almost 30cm long, and feeds on small invertebrates which it digs out from the mud.

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
The Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) is an uncommon winter visitor. It has a long and slightly upturned bill, pinkish in colour with a black tip. The undertail is barred. This bird grows to about 40cm long, and is normally seen on mudflats and beaches. It also holds the record for the longest known continuous flight, being able to fly for more than 11,000 km without stopping for about nine days. It feeds on invertebrates in the mud. In Singapore, this species is usually seen singly or in small flocks among other waders.

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
The Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) is a very common winter visitor, and huge flocks can be seen on mudflats and other coastal areas sometimes. It has a long bill which curved downwards, allowing it to feed on invertebrates hiding deep in the mud. It grows to about 45cm long.

Grey-headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus)
The Grey-headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus) is a very rare vagrant which is occasionally seen in marshlands or mudflats. It has a greyish head, brown body, yellow legs, and a yellow beak with a black tip. It grows to about 35cm long, and feeds on small invertebrates in shallow water.

Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)
The Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus) is an uncommon resident bird that is usually found near water, such as near ponds or in marshlands. It grows to about 30cm long, and has a distinctive red wattle and a white ear patch on its black head. The back is light brown, while the underside is white. It feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.

Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)
The Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) is a common resident that can be seen near water bodies, such as ponds, reservoirs and in coastal areas. It grows to about 25cm long. The non-breeding birds have a black bill, white forehead and black cap.

Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)
Little Terns can sometimes be seen hovering a distance above the water, before they plunge-dive to catch fishes to feed on. The above features a breeding bird, which has a yellow bill.

Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana)
The Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana) is an uncommon resident which does not come inland. It usually breeds on islands or exposed rocks in the sea. Easily recognised by its distinctive black nape, it has a black bill and a long forked tail. This tern grows to about 30cm long, and feeds mainly on fish. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.

Greater Crested Tern (Sterna bergii)
The Greater Crested Tern (Sterna bergii) is a common winter visitor that can be seen in coastal areas. It has a yellow bill, white forehead, white collar, white belly and grey back. The birds that are breeding have a black crest, while the non-breeding ones have a more speckled cap. This species grows to over 45cm long and feeds on fish.

Lesser Crested Tern (Sterna bengalensis)
The Lesser Crested Tern (Sterna bengalensis) is a common winter visitor that resembles the previous species, but is smaller (about 40cm long) and has a bright orange bill. It can be found in mixed flocks in coastal areas with the previous species as well. The above features a non-breeding bird, but breeding ones will have a black crest similar to that of the previous species. It feeds on fish.

White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)
The White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) is a common winter visitor found near big waterbodies, such as sheltered bays, reservoirs or marshland. Unlike most other terns, it does not plunge into the water to catch fish, but instead flies slowly to pick up invertebrates or small fish at the water surface, or catches insect in flight. It can be recognised by a distinctive black patch behind each eye, resembling "headphones" with some imagination. The above features non-breeding birds - breeding ones will have black bodies.

Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)
The Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus) is a rare winter visitor which resembles the previous species but lacks the "headphones". The above features a non-breeding bird with the pale grey back, white forehead and speckled cap. Breeding birds will have a solid black cap. It is seen occasionally near reservoirs. Its diet comprises insects and fish.



References
  • Briffett, C. 1986. A guide to the common birds of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
  • Gill, R. E., T. Piersma, G. Hufford, R. Servranckx & A. Riegen. 2005. Crossing the ultimate ecological barrier: Evidence for an 11,000 km long nonstop flight from Alaska to New Zealand and eastern Australia by Bar-Tailed Godwits. Condor 107: 1–20.
  • Robson, C. 2010. New Holland field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: New Holland Publishers. 304 pp.
  • Singapore Birds. Retrieved Mar 25, 2013, http://singaporebirds.blogspot.sg
  • Strange, M. 2000. Photographic guide to the birds of Southeast Asia. Singapore: Periplus. 398 pp.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Fowls (Phylum Chordata: Order Galliformes) of Singapore

Fowls (phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, superclass Tetrapoda, class Aves, order Galliformes) refer to chicken or chicken-like birds which usually have colourful feathers, elaborated head skins, feathers and/or other ornaments, and a relatively small head compared to the body. They usually exhibit sexual dimorphism, with the males more brilliantly coloured, or equipped with special feathers and/or other ornaments for courtship display. Some species, such as the chicken, quails, turkeys, pheasants and peacocks, are domesticated either for consumption or as pets.

Singapore has two native fowls - the Blue-breasted Quail and the Red Junglefowl, though a few exotic species have also established their presence in some areas.

Here are the fowls that I managed to photograph in Singapore:

Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
The Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) is the wild relative of the domestic chicken, and both are of the same species. The former, however, can be differentiated from the latter by the white cheek, white rump, grey legs, and the calls of the male which have an abrupt ending. They are usually found in wooded areas, forest edges and open areas near forests. The above photo features a rooster, also called a cockerel or cock, which is the male.

Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
The female, also called a hen, is usually brown and black. The chicks are brownish. Red Jungelfowls grow to about 70cm long, and fees on seeds and insects.

Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
Many of the Red Junglefowls on mainland Singapore are breeding with feral chicken, and possibly as a result of the lack of gene diversity, white fowls have been seen in recent years. It is not known whether this is a result of albinism or leucism.

Blue Peacock (Pavo cristatus)
The Blue Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) has been introduced to a few parts of Singapore, and is breeding well especially on Sentosa and St John's Island. The above photo features a peacock (i.e. the male), which has a deep blue head and neck, and iridescent greenish-blue display feathers which it opens up like a fan during courtship. From the head to the end of the display feathers growing on its back, it can reach lengths of more than 2m.

Blue Peahen (Pavo cristatus) & Chick
Both males and females have a fan-shaped crest on their heads. The above photo features a peahen with a chick. The female has a greyish-brown plumage. Peafowls feed on seeds, insects and other small animals.

Leucistic White Peacock (Pavo cristatus)
Several leucistic white peafowls, which appear white due to reduced pigmentation as a result of recessive genes, can be seen on Sentosa and St John's Island.



References
  • Briffett, C. 1986. A guide to the common birds of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
  • Ramesh, K. & P. McGowan. 2009. On the current status of Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus (Aves: Galliformes: Phasianidae): keeping the common species common. Journal of Threatened Taxa 1 (2): 106–108.
  • Robson, C. 2010. New Holland field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: New Holland Publishers. 304 pp.
  • Singapore Birds. Retrieved Mar 25, 2013, http://singaporebirds.blogspot.sg
  • Strange, M. 2000. Photographic guide to the birds of Southeast Asia. Singapore: Periplus. 398 pp.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Ducks & Other Waterfowls (Phylum Chordata: Order Anseriformes) of Singapore

Waterfowls (phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, superclass Tetrapoda, class Aves, order Anseriformes) are birds that have adapted to swimming, and they mostly have a relatively broad bill, long neck, large body, short legs and webbed feet. They include the ducks, geese and swans, some of which are domesticated for human consumption.

Some of the waterfowls that have been recorded from Singapore include:

Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica)
The Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica) is an uncommon resident waterfowl, though it can be easily seen at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Growing to about 40cm long, it has obvious yellow eye rings, a mostly brownish plumage, and a reddish brown rump. It is found near water bodies, feeding on aquatic plants, insects and small aquatic animals.

Wandering Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata)
The Wandering Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata) is an introduced species which unfortunately has started breeding in Singapore. It is quite similar to the previous species, but lacks the yellow eye rings and red rump. In addition, it has a darker stripe on its crown, and dark spots on its breast. It is also bigger, growing to about 55cm long. This duck feeds on grasses, aquatic plants, insects and small aquatic animals.

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
The Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) is a rare winter visitor. The above could be a non-breeding male (i.e. male eclipse) or juvenile male, which appears much like the female but has a more rufous belly and darker markings on the back. The breeding male will have a green and white plumage. This species is most easily recognised by its bill, which is broader and rounded towards the tip. It grows to about 50cm long, and feeds on aquatic plants and small aquatic animals. The above photo was taken in Hong Kong.

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) has a relatively slimmer bill compared with the previous species. It is a very rare winter visitor. Both male and female ducks have a pointed tail, but the male's tail is much longer. It can reach lengths of more than 65cm, and feeds on grass, aquatic plants and small invertebrates. The above photo was taken in Hong Kong.

Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)
The Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) is a very rare vagrant that feeds on aquatic plants and invertebrates. It grows to more than 45cm long. The male has a chestnut-coloured head with a whitish stripe on the crown, a light brown breast and greyish back and sides. The female is all brownish. The above photo was taken in England.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
The Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) is a very rare vagrant. The male is black with white flanks, with a tuft of feathers on its head. The female is all brownish. This duck species can attain lengths of about 50cm, and feeds on aquatic plants and invertebrates. The above photo was taken in London.

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)
The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is an introduced species that is breeding in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Like other swans, it has a very long neck, but is all black with a red bill. This huge waterfowl can grow to over 120cm long, and feeds mostly on aquatic plants. It is native to Australia and New Zealand.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is another introduced species that can be found in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This white swan can grow to over 150cm long, and feeds mostly on aquatic plants. It is native to Europe and north central Asia.



References
  • Ivory, A. 2002. Cygnus olor. Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved Mar 25, 2013, http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Cygnus_olor/.
  • Briffett, C. 1986. A guide to the common birds of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
  • Olliver, N. 2010. Black Swan. Nzbirds.com.  Retrieved Mar 25, 2013, http://www.nzbirds.com/birds/blackswan.html.
  • Robson, C. 2010. New Holland field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: New Holland Publishers. 304 pp.
  • Singapore Birds. Retrieved Mar 25, 2013, http://singaporebirds.blogspot.sg
  • Strange, M. 2000. Photographic guide to the birds of Southeast Asia. Singapore: Periplus. 398 pp.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Kingfishers, Rollers, Bee-eaters & Hornbills (Phylum Chordata: Order Coraciiformes) of Singapore

Coraciiform birds (phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, superclass Tetrapoda, class Aves, order Coraciiformes) are mostly colourful birds which nest in holes. Many species have three forward-pointing toes, with two of the toes fused at the base.

Traditionally, they include the rollers, bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbills and hoopoes, but there have been a number of disputes on the classification of the birds of this order, with studies proposing that the hornbills, hoopoes and kingfishers should become orders of their own.

Here are some of the coraciiform birds that can be found in Singapore:

Family Coraciidae

Members of this family are called rollers for their acrobatic style of flying. They usually have colourful plumage.

Oriental Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)
The Oriental Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis) gets its common name from a big white spot under each wing, which resembles a dollar coin with some imagination. It has a greenish-blue plumage and a dark orange beak. It is usually seen perching on tall trees at terrestrial forest edges, coastal forests and rural areas. It feeds on small insects and vertebrates. It gets to about 30cm long.

Family Alcedinidae

This family comprises the kingfishers, which are known for their excellent fishing abilities, though they also feed on other small animals. They are mostly colourful birds with a thick bill.

Collared Kingfisher (Todirhamphus chloris)
The Collared Kingfisher (Todirhamphus chloris) is one of the commonest kingfishers found in Singapore. The head and back is blue, while the neck and underside is white. The adults can get to about 25cm long. It can be seen in mangrove and coastal forests, along rivers and canals, and around inland water bodies. This kingfisher feeds on small animals, including insects, fish, reptiles and amphibians.

White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
The White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is also commonly seen in Singapore. It has a white throat, brown head, brown underside, and the back is mostly blue. It can get to almost 30cm long, and is found in parks, coastal forests, mangroves and near water bodies. It feeds on fish and other small animals.

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)
The Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) is the largest kingfisher in Singapore, reaching lengths of more than 35cm. It has a red bill, orange head and body, and blue back, wings and tail. It can be found near rivers and other water bodies, and in mangrove and coastal forests. This kingfisher feeds on small vertebrates and crustaceans.

Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting)
The Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting) is a rare resident kingfisher. It has a rich blue head, back and wings, while the underside is brownish orange. It can get to about 15cm long, and is usually found near streams and ponds. It feeds mainly on fish.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a migrant which looks very similar to the previous species, but has a more turquoise/cyan head, back and wings. The underside is mostly brownish orange. It can grow to almost 20cm long, and is usually seen towards the end of the year and the beginning of the year near rivers and ponds. It feeds mostly on fish and small invertebrates.

Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda)
The Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) is a rare resident on Pulau Tekong, and hence the ones seen on mainland Singapore are mostly migrants. It has a red bill and a mostly reddish or brownish plumage. This kingfisher grows to about 25cm, and feeds on fish and other small animals. It is mostly seen in the forest.

Family Meropidae

This family comprises the bee-eaters, which get their common name from their diet, which include bees and other insects. The bee-eaters are generally colourful birds, and catch their prey on the wing.

Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis)
The Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis) is a common migrant with a mostly greenish plumage, a blue throat, brown head, and blue tail. It is found in open areas and forest edges. Growing to over 25cm long, it hunts insects on the wing.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus)
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is another common migrant seen in open areas and forest edges. It has a brownish-orange head and throat, greenish back and blue tail. The adults can reach lengths of about 30cm. This bee-eater feeds on insects, and sometimes, fish.

Family Bucerotidae

This family consists of the hornbills, which are generally big birds with a large bill. Many of the species have a horn-like or bump-like structure on top of the bill. Most hornbills nest in holes in tree trunks, with the females being sealed inside until the young birds are ready to fledge. During this period, the males will bring food for the female. All native hornbills were previously extinct in Singapore. However, the Oriental Pied Hornbill has successfully re-established itself in the country.

Male Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
The Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) was previously extinct in Singapore, but a population which flew across from Johor, Malaysia, managed to re-establish themselves on Pulau Ubin in the late 1990s. They started breeding and eventually spread to Changi as well. The National Parks Board has started a successful breeding programme by installing many nest boxes for the hornbills to nest in. Several pairs of hornbills were released in various parts of Singapore, but unfortunately without much research done on the feasibility and possible impact on the ecosystem. This huge bird can reach a length of 90cm. While they feed mostly on fruits, especially figs, they have been observed to feed on small animals as well. This species is mostly found in wooded areas and forest edges. The males, as shown in the above photo, have a prominent, horn-like structure on the yellowish bill. The plumage is mostly black, except for the belly and lower tail feathers.

Female Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
The female has a bump-like structure on its bill, without the pointy, horn-like extension.

Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros)
The Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) is extinct in Singapore, but escapees have seen.The above photo was taken in Malaysia.

Family Upupidae

This family comprises only one species, which has a distinctive, orangy crest with black bars. It is believed to be an introduced species.

Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
The Hoopoe (Upupa epops) is sometimes seen in Singapore, and the ones seen are believed to be escapees. It gets its name from its call, which goes like "oop-oop-oop". It has black bars on its crest and back. The above photo was taken in Bhutan.



References
  • Briffett, C. 1986. A guide to the common birds of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
  • Robson, C. 2010. New Holland field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: New Holland Publishers. 304 pp.
  • Santana, E. 2009. "Kingfishers, Rollers, Hornbills etc" (OnLine) UntamedScience. Accessed Mar 18, 2013 at http://www.untamedscience.com/biodiversity/animals/chordates/birds/kingfishers-rollers-hornbills-etc
  • Singapore Birds. Retrieved Mar 8, 2013, http://singaporebirds.blogspot.sg
  • Strange, M. 2000. Photographic guide to the birds of Southeast Asia. Singapore: Periplus. 398 pp.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Rails & Crakes (Phylum Chordata: Order Gruiformes) of Singapore

Cranes, crakes, rails and their allies (phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, superclass Tetrapoda, class Aves, order Gruiformes) are generally ground dwelling birds with long legs and feet but short tails. While cranes are not recorded from Singapore (except the occasional free-ranging ones from the Zoo or Bird Park), a number of rails (family Rallidae) can be found in the country, and here are some of them:

White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus)
The White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) is perhaps the most commonly seen gruiform species in Singapore. This bird is black or dark brown on the upperside, with a white face, neck and underside. It has a red undertail, and a red spot above its beak at the front of its head. It can often be seen near waterways and water bodies, and is usually very noisy. This species can grow to about 30cm long, and is sometimes trapped for food in the region. It is omnivorous, feeding on small fish, small invertebrates, seeds and shoots.

Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
The Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) is an uncommon resident bird. It can be recognised by its black body and brown back, with a red spot on its head above the beak. There are usually some white markings on its wings and tail. This species can get to about 35cm long, and is usually found near water bodies. It is omnivorous, feeding on water plant and small invertebrates.

Red-legged Crake (Rallina fasciata)
The Red-legged Crake (Rallina fasciata) is an uncommon resident. It has a reddish-brown head and neck, brown back with dark patches, a belly with black-and-white bars, and red legs. It can be found in wooded areas, especially in areas that are wetter or near streams. This species can grow to about 25cm long.

Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)
The Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) can be easily recognised by its purple plumage. It is a rare resident, and the photo above was taken in New Zealand. It can get to about 45cm, and is usually found in marshes and swamps. It is omnivorous, feeding on shoots and small animals (molluscs, fish and frogs etc)

Common Coot (Fulica atra)
The Common Coot (Fulica atra) is a very rare vagrant, easily recognised by its black plumage and white bill. It can get to over 35cm long, and is usually found near or in water bodies. It is omnivorous, feeding on water plants and small animals. The above photo was taken in Holland.



References
  • Briffett, C. 1986. A guide to the common birds of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
  • Robson, C. 2010. New Holland field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. London: New Holland Publishers. 304 pp.
  • Singapore Birds. Retrieved Mar 8, 2013, http://singaporebirds.blogspot.sg
  • Strange, M. 2000. Photographic guide to the birds of Southeast Asia. Singapore: Periplus. 398 pp.