Passerines (phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, superclass Tetrapoda, class Aves, order Passeriformes), sometimes called perching birds, are birds adapted to hold on to a perch tightly, even when they are asleep. Three of their four toes are oriented forward, and the remaining one is oriented backwards. All the toes can move independently of each other, with the back toe being exceptionally strong. And when a passerine lands on a perch, its weight causes the tendons in the leg to tighten and the toes will clamp together tightly, allowing the bird to have a tight grip on the perch.
Many passerines also have well-developed voiceboxes that allow them to make complex calls. They are, hence, often called songbirds as well, and many species are popular pet birds due to their melodious calls.
Here are some of the passerines that can be found in Singapore.
Broadbills (Family Eurylaimidae)
The Black-and-red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos) is a very rare visitor in Singapore - the other native broadbills are already extinct in the country. It has a black head, back and tail, while the wings are black with a white stripe. The throat, belly and rump are dark red, and the bill is light blue above and yellow below. It is usually found in the forest near streams, or in the mangrove. The diet comprises mainly insects, and the adult grows to about 25cm long. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.
Pittas (Family Pittidae)
The Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megarhyncha) is a rare resident bird that lives in mangrove forests. It has an obvious black eyeband, and a faint black stripe on its crown. The back is green and blue, while the belly is a pale brownish orange. The tail is very short. It is superficially very similar to the next species but the latter is usually seen in forests or wooded areas, has a more solid black stripe on its crown, and a smaller bill. The Mangrove Pitta grows to about 20cm long. It feeds on small invertebrates in the mangroves.
The Blue-winged Pitta (Pitta moluccensis) is an uncommon winter visitor which is usually found in wooded areas and forests. It is very similar to the previous species in appearance, but has a more solid black stripe on its crown, and a smaller bill. The adults grow to about 20cm long. It feeds on small invertebrates.
The Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida) is an uncommon winter visitor that is usually found in forests or wooded areas. The plumage is mostly green, except for the brown crown, black face and throat, and red vent. It grows to about 20cm long, and feeds on small invertebrates.
Gerygones & Allies (Family Acanthizidae)
The Golden-bellied Gerygone (Gerygone sulphurea) is a common resident bird that can be found in parks, gardens, forest edges, mangrove forests and wooded areas. This is among the smallest birds in Singapore, reaching a length of about 10cm. It has brownish upperparts and yellow underparts. This bird is sometimes called the flyeater, as it feeds mostly on insects.
Ioras (Family Aegithinidae)
The Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia) is a common resident bird that can be seen in wooded areas, forests, mangroves and parks. The breeding male has a black cap, dark upperparts with white bands on each wing, and yellow underparts. The non-breeding male is mostly yellowish yellowish, with darker wings marked with white bands. The female Common Iora is duller than the non-breeding male. This species makes a number of melodious different whistle-like calls. It grows to about 15cm long, and feeds on insects.
Cuckooshrikes & Allies (Family Campephagidae)
The Pied Triller (Lalage nigra) is a common resident bird that can be found in coastal forests, parks, wooded areas and scrublands. The male has black upperparts with a white wing-bar, and white underparts. The female is duller, and the underparts are greyish with scaly patterns. Both have a thin black eyeband. This species gets to about 18cm long, and feeds on insects on the leaves and branches.
Shrikes (Family Laniidae)
The Tiger Shrike (Lanius tigrinus) is a common winter visitor that can be seen in wooded areas, forest edges and open habitats. The juveniles are more commonly seen in Singapore, and they can be identified by their brown scaly upperparts and pale underparts marked with stripes or scale-like patterns. The adult male has a thick black eyeband, grey cap, brown scaly upperparts and pale underparts. The female has pale underparts marked with scaly patterns. It feeds on small animals, both invertebrates and vertebrates. This species grows to about 18cm.
The Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus) is a common winter visitor that can be seen in wooded areas and open habitats. It has a brownish plumage, with dark brown upperparts and pale brown underparts. It also has a black eyeband like most other shrikes. The female has faint scaly pattens on the breast and sides of the body. This species grow to about 20cm long, and feeds on small animals.
The Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) is a common resident bird that is found in wooded areas and open habitats. It has a long black tail, grey cap, thick black eyeband, black wings and pale brownish orange underparts. This shrike grows to about 25cm, and feeds on small animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates. It has been observed to impale the prey it has caught on sharp thorns.
Orioles (Family Oriolidae)
The Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) is a common resident believed to have established in Singapore as a breeder in the 1920s. It can be seen in parks, gardens, wooded areas, mangrove forests and secondary forests. This bird is easily recognised by its yellow and black plumage, and the black nape. It grows to about 25cm long, feeding on fruits and insects.
Drongos (Family Dicruridae)
The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus) is a common resident bird that can be seen in the forest. It has a glossy black plumage with a pair of long rackets on its forked tail. It has a metallic call, though it can mimic the calls of other birds as well. This bird grows to about 30cm long, and feeds mostly on insects.
The Crow-billed Drongo (Dicrurus annectans) is an uncommon winter visitor that is usually seen in forests and wooded areas. It has a stocky build, a black plumage, a thick bill and a forked tail that is slight upcurved at the end. The juvenile has spotted underparts. This species grow to about 30cm long, and feeds mostly on insects.
Fantails (Family Rhipiduridae)
The Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) is a common resident bird that can be seen in mangrove forests, parks and secondary forests. This bird is mostly dark brown with a white belly. It has a habit of opening and closing its tail like a hand fan, and hence the common name "fantail". It grows to about 18cm long, and feeds mostly on insects.
Monarchs & Allies (Family Monarchidae)
The Asian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi) is a common winter visitor which is usually seen in forests and wooded areas. The male has two morphs - white body, white tail and black head, or brown back, brown tail, pale belly and black head. Breeding males have a very long tail streamer. The female (featured above) has no tail streamer and has a shorter crest. Excluding the long tail streamer, this species gets to about 20cm long. It feeds on insects.
Crows (Family Corvidae)
The Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) is a common resident bird that is usually found in the forest and adjacent wooded areas. It is all black, with a stout bill. This native species grows to about 50cm long. It is omnivorous and feeds on any food that it can find.
The House Crow (Corvus splendens) is a very common introduced species that is commonly seen island wide in both urban and rural areas. It can be differentiated from the previous native species by its greyish collar and smaller size (about 40cm long). Like the previous species, it feeds on any food that it can find.
Bulbuls (Family Pycnonotidae)
The Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) is a very common resident bird that can be seen in urban areas, rural areas, open habitats,mangrove forests and secondary forests. It is mostly white and brownish, with a slight crest, a black mask, and yellow vent. This species grows to about 20cm long, and feeds on fruits and insects.
The Olive-winged Bulbul (Pycnonotus plumosus) is a common resident bird that can be seen in forests and wooded areas. The plumage is mostly brown, with olive wings and steaks on the face. It gets to about 18cm long, and feeds on fruits and small invertebrates.
The Cream-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus simplex) is an uncommon resident bulbul that is found in the forest. It has brownish plumage, with paler underparts and obvious white eye rings. This species gets to about 17cm long, and feeds on small fruits and insects.
The Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) is an uncommon introduced species that is sometimes seen in wooded areas and secondary forests. It has a black crest and head, a red patch below the eye (hence the name "red-whiskered"), white throat, brown back and tail, pale brownish belly and orange vent. This species gets to about 20cm long, and feeds on fruits and insects. The above photo was taken in Hong Kong.
The Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster) is an uncommon introduced species that is usually seen in parks, scrublands and open habitats. It has a black head (hence the common name), white rump, and a largely greyish brown plumage. The vent may be red, orange or yellow, depending on the subspecies. The adult is about 20cm long. It feeds on fruits and insects.
The Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus) is a rare introduced bulbul that is usually found in the forest. It has a black head, crest and throat, white eye rings, olive upperparts and yellow belly. It gets to about 20cm long, and feeds on fruits and insects. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.
Swallows & Martins (Family Hirundinidae)
The Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica) is a common resident swallow that can be seen islandwide and even on offshore islands. It has dark glossy upperparts, brownish orange face, forehead and throat, and greyish underparts. The tail is slightly forked. It gets to about 13cm long, and feeds mostly on flying insects.
The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a common winter visitor with dark glossy upper parts, brownish orange face, throat and forehead, white belly, forked tail with streamers, and the breast has an obvious black band. This swallow gets to about 18cm long, and feeds mostly on flying insects.
The Asian House Martin (Delichon dasypus) is a rare migrant that is occasionally seen in Singapore, flying over wooded areas and forests. It has blue-black upperparts, white rump and underparts, and a slightly forked black tail. The adult is about 12cm long. It feeds on flying insects. The above photo was taken in Mongolia.
Leaf Warblers (Family Phylloscopidae)
The Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis) is a common winter visitor that is found in wooded areas, forest edges, mangrove forests and parks. It has greenish brown upperparts and pale underparts. There is a pale stripe above the eye, and usually, a whitish bar on the wing. This small bird reaches lengths of about 12cm. It feeds on insects.
Tailorbirds (Family Cisticolidae)
The Dark-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus atrogularis) is a common resident bird that is usually found at forest edges and in wooded areas. It has a reddish brown crown, yellowish wings, back and tail, white belly, and a very dark throat. This small bird gets to about 11cm long, and feeds on insects. The tailorbirds have gotten their name from the fact that they build their nests by sewing leaves together with plant fibre and spider web.
The Rufous-tailed Tailorbird (Orthotomus sericeus) is an uncommon resident bird that is usually seen in forests, wooded areas or scrublands. It has a reddish brown crown, greyish brown upperparts, a reddish brown tail and white underparts. This small bird feeds on insects, and adult birds are about 11cm long. Like other tailorbirds, it builds its nest by sewing leaves together with plant fibre and spider web.
The Ashy Tailorbird (Orthotomus ruficeps) is a common resident bird that can be found in mangrove forests, coastal forests and nearby scrublands. It has a reddish brown head and greyish body. The adults are about 10cm long. It feeds on insects. Like other tailorbirds, it builds its nest by sewing leaves together with plant fibre and spider web.
Old World Babblers (Family Timaliidae)
The Pin-striped Tit-babbler (Macronous gularis) is a common resident bird that is found in wooded areas and forest edges. This small bird (about 13cm long) is very active and usually seen in small flocks, jumping about from branch to branch. It can be recognised by its streaked, yellow underparts and brown upperparts. It feeds on small invertebrates among the leaves and branches. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.
The White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus) is a common introduced bird which can be seen in parks, wooded areas, secondary forests, and edges of primary forests. This is a noisy, gregarious bird with a laugh-like call, and hence the common name "laughingthrush". It has an obvious black eyeband, a white head, reddish brown back and white underparts. The adult bird is about 30cm long. It feeds on small invertebrates, small lizards, fruits, seeds and nectar.
White-eyes (Family Zosteropidae)
The Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus) is an uncommon introduced bird that can be found in secondary forests, parks and mangrove forests. Singapore used to have a native population, but the current population is descended from escaped/released pets or those released for religious merit-making purposes. It can be easily recognised by the prominent white eye rings, yellowish green upperparts, and whitish underparts (usually with a yellowish patch/stripe in the middle). The adult bird is about 10cm long. It feeds on fruits, flowers and insects.
Starlings & Mynas (Family Sturnidae)
The Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis) is a very common resident bird that can be found islandwide in parks, gardens, urban areas, rural areas, forests, mangroves, and wooded areas. It can be recognised by the red eyes and black glossy plumage, which may appear bluish, greenish or purplish. depending on the angle of the light. The juveniles lack the gloss and have streaked underparts. This species gets to about 20cm long, and feeds on fruits and insects.
The Purple-backed Starling (Agropsar sturninus), also known as the Daurian Starling, is a very common winter visitor. Huge flocks up to a thousand can be seen some times. This species has a light grey head, whitish underparts, purplish back, and greenish-black wings with two white bars on them. It gets to about 19cm long, and feeds on fruits and insects.
The Common Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) is an uncommon resident bird that can be seen sometimes in forests and wooded areas. It is black all over except for the orange bill, yellow legs, and yellow skin under the eyes and around the back of the head. It is a very good mimic of human speech and other sounds, and hence is sometimes kept as a pet. It grows to about 30cm long, and feed on fruits and small animals.
The Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) is a very common introduced species that can be seen islandwide in urban areas, parks, rural areas, scrubland, secondary forests and wooded areas. It has a dark grey plumage with white bars/patches on the tail and wings. The bill and legs are yellow. It gets to about 25cm long, and feeds on fruits, small invertebrates and human food.
The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a common resident which is believed to have spread naturally from Indochina to Peninsular Malaysia then to Singapore in the early 1900s. It can be recognised by the brown plumage and yellow eye batch. The adult bird is about 25cm long. This species feeds on small invertebrates, fruits, seeds, and human food.
Nuthatches (Family Sittidae)
The Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis) is a rare vagrant in Singapore, which is occasionally seen in the forests and mangroves. It can be recognised by the red bill, black forehead, bluish back, and purplish underparts. It gets to about 12cm long. Being a very agile climber, it can run up and down the trunk and branches very quickly, hunting insects to feed on. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.
Flycatchers (Family Muscicapidae)
The Mangrove Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis rufigastra) is a rare resident bird that lives in mangrove forests. It has dark blue upperparts and orange underparts, though sometimes the belly may be whitish. This bird gets to about 15cm long. It feeds mostly on small flying insects.
The White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus) is a rare resident bird which is usually found in the forest. It has an obvious white rump, black upperparts and orange underparts. The male has a long black tail. The call is very melodious, and hence it is very popular in the songbird trade. This bird gets to about 28cm long. It feeds mostly on insects.
The Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) is an uncommon resident bird that is found in secondary forests, mangrove forests, wooded areas, parks and gardens. The male has a black head, neck and upperparts, and white belly, undertail and wingbar. The above photo, which was taken in Hong Kong, features a female which is more dark grey than black. It is a popular in the songbird trade due to its melodious call. It gets to about 20cm long, and feeds on insects and other small invertebrates.
Several brownish flycatchers can be seen in Singapore, and the Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica) is the commonest. It is a winter visitor, and can be seen in forests, mangroves, wooded areas, parks and gardens. It has brownish grey upperparts, and light brown/greyish breast, and whitish belly. The adult gets to about 13cm long. It feeds on small flying insects by sitting quietly on a perch before flying out to catch them and returning quickly to the perch.
Flowerpeckers (Family Dicaeidae)
The Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum) is a common resident bird which is found in forests, parks, scrublands and wooded areas. The male can be easily recognised by its obvious red upperparts, black face, sides and wings, and white underparts. The female Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker has a greyish brown back, red rump, and whitish underparts. This small bird (about 9cm long) feeds on small fruits.
The Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma) is a common resident bird that is usually seen in forested areas. The male has can be recognised by its orange back and underparts, greyish blue wings and head, and pale blue throat. The female Orange-bellied Flowerpecker has olive upperparts and pale yellowish brown underparts with a yellow vent. This small bird reaches lengths of about 9 cm. It feeds on small fruits and insects.
Sunbirds & Spiderhunters (Family Nectariniidae)
The Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) is a very common resident bird that can be found in urban areas with plants, parks, gardens, coastal forests, secondary forests, open habitats and scrublands. This small bird (about 10cm long) feeds mostly on nectar, though they also take small insects especially during the breeding season and when feeding their young. The male is easily recognised by the glossy dark blue forehead, throat and upper breast. In additional it has a yellow belly and yellowish brown upperparts. The female Olive-backed Sunbird lacks the glossy dark blue coloration, and has yellow underparts.
The Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) is a common resident bird that can be found in parks, wooded areas and forest edges. The male has a red head, upper back, and breast, brownish flight feathers, greyish belly and bluish tail. The female is yellowish all over. This species reaches lengths of about 13 cm. It feeds mostly on nectar.
The Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) is a common resident bird that can be seen in mangrove forests, parks and wooded areas. The male has a brown throat, red eyes, bluish iridescent crown, neck and upper back, olive lower back and wings, and yellow underparts. The female Brown-throated Sunbird has red eyes, olive upperparts and yellow underparts. It gets to about 14cm long, and feeds mostly on nectar.
The Copper-throated Sunbird (Nectarinia calcostetha) is an uncommon resident bird that lives in mangrove forests. The male can be identified by its reddish copper throat, metallic purple breast, metallic greenish crown, upper back and rump, and the rest of the body greyish. The female Copper-throated Sunbird has a grey head, brownish upperparts, pale grey throat, yellow belly, and black tail with white tips. The adult reaches lengths of about 14cm. This species feeds mostly on the nectar of mangrove plants.
The Purple-throated Sunbird (Nectarinia sperata) is a common resident sunbird that can be seen in forests and wooded areas. The male can be recognised by its purple throat, green cap, red breast, grey belly and tail, and dark upperparts. The female Purple-throated Sunbird has olive upperparts and yellow underparts. This small bird gets to just about 10 cm long, and feeds mostly on nectar.
Sparrows (Family Passeridae)
The Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) is a very common resident bird that can be seen islandwide in urban areas, rural areas, open habitats and parks. It has an obvious black patch on the face, brown head and upperparts, marked with black and paler streaks and bars, and the underparts are of a light brown. This small bird (about 13cm long) feeds on seeds and insects.
Weavers (Family Ploceidae)
The Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) is a common resident bird that is usually found in open habitats and scrublands. It has gotten its name from its nest, which is built from weaving grass blades into a vase-shaped structure. The breeding male, featured in the above photo, has a yellow crown, dark face and bill, and brownish body with the upperparts marked with darker and paler streaks and bars. Non-breeding males and females look alike, lacking the yellow crown and dark face, and having brown bills instead of black ones. This species grows to about 15cm long, and feeds on seeds.
Several exotic weavers can be seen in Singapore, which may be escaped pets or those released for religious merit-making purposes. The above Red Bishop (Euplectes orix) is an example. It has a reddish crown, black face and belly, reddish rump and brownish back.
Munias (Family Estrildidae)
The White-headed Munia (Lonchura maja) is a common resident bird that is usually seen in open habitats and grassy areas. It has a distinctive white to very pale brown head that is relatively large compared to the brown body. This bird gets to about 12cm long, and feeds on seeds.
The Black-headed Munia (Lonchura malacca) is a common resident munia with a distinctive black head that is relatively large compared to the reddish brown body. It gets to about 12cm long, and feeds on seeds. This species, like other munias, can be found in open habitats and grassy areas.
The Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata) is the commonest resident munia in Singapore, and like the previous species, is usually found in grassy areas and open habitats. This species has brown upperparts and scaly underparts. This small bird (about 11cm long) feeds mainly on seeds and sometimes, small fruits.
Pipits & Wagtails (Family Motacillidae)
The Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) is a common resident species that is usually seen in open habitats and grassy areas. It has contrasting dark and light brown streaks on its upperparts, and pale underparts with faint streaks on the breast. This species has a more upright posture compare to most other pipits, and is often seen running on the ground, catching insects among the grass to feed on. It grows to about 15cm long.
The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a rare winter visitor that is sometimes seen in open areas near water, or along rivers and sea shore. It has grey upperparts, a black breast and tail, and whitish under parts. The male has a black cap, which the female lacks. This species gets to about 18cm long, and feeds on insects. The above photo was taken in Hong Kong.
References
Many passerines also have well-developed voiceboxes that allow them to make complex calls. They are, hence, often called songbirds as well, and many species are popular pet birds due to their melodious calls.
Here are some of the passerines that can be found in Singapore.
Broadbills (Family Eurylaimidae)
The Black-and-red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos) is a very rare visitor in Singapore - the other native broadbills are already extinct in the country. It has a black head, back and tail, while the wings are black with a white stripe. The throat, belly and rump are dark red, and the bill is light blue above and yellow below. It is usually found in the forest near streams, or in the mangrove. The diet comprises mainly insects, and the adult grows to about 25cm long. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.
Pittas (Family Pittidae)
The Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megarhyncha) is a rare resident bird that lives in mangrove forests. It has an obvious black eyeband, and a faint black stripe on its crown. The back is green and blue, while the belly is a pale brownish orange. The tail is very short. It is superficially very similar to the next species but the latter is usually seen in forests or wooded areas, has a more solid black stripe on its crown, and a smaller bill. The Mangrove Pitta grows to about 20cm long. It feeds on small invertebrates in the mangroves.
The Blue-winged Pitta (Pitta moluccensis) is an uncommon winter visitor which is usually found in wooded areas and forests. It is very similar to the previous species in appearance, but has a more solid black stripe on its crown, and a smaller bill. The adults grow to about 20cm long. It feeds on small invertebrates.
The Hooded Pitta (Pitta sordida) is an uncommon winter visitor that is usually found in forests or wooded areas. The plumage is mostly green, except for the brown crown, black face and throat, and red vent. It grows to about 20cm long, and feeds on small invertebrates.
Gerygones & Allies (Family Acanthizidae)
The Golden-bellied Gerygone (Gerygone sulphurea) is a common resident bird that can be found in parks, gardens, forest edges, mangrove forests and wooded areas. This is among the smallest birds in Singapore, reaching a length of about 10cm. It has brownish upperparts and yellow underparts. This bird is sometimes called the flyeater, as it feeds mostly on insects.
Ioras (Family Aegithinidae)
The Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia) is a common resident bird that can be seen in wooded areas, forests, mangroves and parks. The breeding male has a black cap, dark upperparts with white bands on each wing, and yellow underparts. The non-breeding male is mostly yellowish yellowish, with darker wings marked with white bands. The female Common Iora is duller than the non-breeding male. This species makes a number of melodious different whistle-like calls. It grows to about 15cm long, and feeds on insects.
Cuckooshrikes & Allies (Family Campephagidae)
The Pied Triller (Lalage nigra) is a common resident bird that can be found in coastal forests, parks, wooded areas and scrublands. The male has black upperparts with a white wing-bar, and white underparts. The female is duller, and the underparts are greyish with scaly patterns. Both have a thin black eyeband. This species gets to about 18cm long, and feeds on insects on the leaves and branches.
Shrikes (Family Laniidae)
The Tiger Shrike (Lanius tigrinus) is a common winter visitor that can be seen in wooded areas, forest edges and open habitats. The juveniles are more commonly seen in Singapore, and they can be identified by their brown scaly upperparts and pale underparts marked with stripes or scale-like patterns. The adult male has a thick black eyeband, grey cap, brown scaly upperparts and pale underparts. The female has pale underparts marked with scaly patterns. It feeds on small animals, both invertebrates and vertebrates. This species grows to about 18cm.
The Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus) is a common winter visitor that can be seen in wooded areas and open habitats. It has a brownish plumage, with dark brown upperparts and pale brown underparts. It also has a black eyeband like most other shrikes. The female has faint scaly pattens on the breast and sides of the body. This species grow to about 20cm long, and feeds on small animals.
The Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) is a common resident bird that is found in wooded areas and open habitats. It has a long black tail, grey cap, thick black eyeband, black wings and pale brownish orange underparts. This shrike grows to about 25cm, and feeds on small animals, both vertebrates and invertebrates. It has been observed to impale the prey it has caught on sharp thorns.
Orioles (Family Oriolidae)
The Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) is a common resident believed to have established in Singapore as a breeder in the 1920s. It can be seen in parks, gardens, wooded areas, mangrove forests and secondary forests. This bird is easily recognised by its yellow and black plumage, and the black nape. It grows to about 25cm long, feeding on fruits and insects.
Drongos (Family Dicruridae)
The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus) is a common resident bird that can be seen in the forest. It has a glossy black plumage with a pair of long rackets on its forked tail. It has a metallic call, though it can mimic the calls of other birds as well. This bird grows to about 30cm long, and feeds mostly on insects.
The Crow-billed Drongo (Dicrurus annectans) is an uncommon winter visitor that is usually seen in forests and wooded areas. It has a stocky build, a black plumage, a thick bill and a forked tail that is slight upcurved at the end. The juvenile has spotted underparts. This species grow to about 30cm long, and feeds mostly on insects.
Fantails (Family Rhipiduridae)
The Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica) is a common resident bird that can be seen in mangrove forests, parks and secondary forests. This bird is mostly dark brown with a white belly. It has a habit of opening and closing its tail like a hand fan, and hence the common name "fantail". It grows to about 18cm long, and feeds mostly on insects.
Monarchs & Allies (Family Monarchidae)
The Asian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi) is a common winter visitor which is usually seen in forests and wooded areas. The male has two morphs - white body, white tail and black head, or brown back, brown tail, pale belly and black head. Breeding males have a very long tail streamer. The female (featured above) has no tail streamer and has a shorter crest. Excluding the long tail streamer, this species gets to about 20cm long. It feeds on insects.
Crows (Family Corvidae)
The Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) is a common resident bird that is usually found in the forest and adjacent wooded areas. It is all black, with a stout bill. This native species grows to about 50cm long. It is omnivorous and feeds on any food that it can find.
The House Crow (Corvus splendens) is a very common introduced species that is commonly seen island wide in both urban and rural areas. It can be differentiated from the previous native species by its greyish collar and smaller size (about 40cm long). Like the previous species, it feeds on any food that it can find.
Bulbuls (Family Pycnonotidae)
The Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) is a very common resident bird that can be seen in urban areas, rural areas, open habitats,mangrove forests and secondary forests. It is mostly white and brownish, with a slight crest, a black mask, and yellow vent. This species grows to about 20cm long, and feeds on fruits and insects.
The Olive-winged Bulbul (Pycnonotus plumosus) is a common resident bird that can be seen in forests and wooded areas. The plumage is mostly brown, with olive wings and steaks on the face. It gets to about 18cm long, and feeds on fruits and small invertebrates.
The Cream-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus simplex) is an uncommon resident bulbul that is found in the forest. It has brownish plumage, with paler underparts and obvious white eye rings. This species gets to about 17cm long, and feeds on small fruits and insects.
The Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) is an uncommon introduced species that is sometimes seen in wooded areas and secondary forests. It has a black crest and head, a red patch below the eye (hence the name "red-whiskered"), white throat, brown back and tail, pale brownish belly and orange vent. This species gets to about 20cm long, and feeds on fruits and insects. The above photo was taken in Hong Kong.
The Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster) is an uncommon introduced species that is usually seen in parks, scrublands and open habitats. It has a black head (hence the common name), white rump, and a largely greyish brown plumage. The vent may be red, orange or yellow, depending on the subspecies. The adult is about 20cm long. It feeds on fruits and insects.
The Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus) is a rare introduced bulbul that is usually found in the forest. It has a black head, crest and throat, white eye rings, olive upperparts and yellow belly. It gets to about 20cm long, and feeds on fruits and insects. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.
Swallows & Martins (Family Hirundinidae)
The Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica) is a common resident swallow that can be seen islandwide and even on offshore islands. It has dark glossy upperparts, brownish orange face, forehead and throat, and greyish underparts. The tail is slightly forked. It gets to about 13cm long, and feeds mostly on flying insects.
The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a common winter visitor with dark glossy upper parts, brownish orange face, throat and forehead, white belly, forked tail with streamers, and the breast has an obvious black band. This swallow gets to about 18cm long, and feeds mostly on flying insects.
The Asian House Martin (Delichon dasypus) is a rare migrant that is occasionally seen in Singapore, flying over wooded areas and forests. It has blue-black upperparts, white rump and underparts, and a slightly forked black tail. The adult is about 12cm long. It feeds on flying insects. The above photo was taken in Mongolia.
Leaf Warblers (Family Phylloscopidae)
The Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis) is a common winter visitor that is found in wooded areas, forest edges, mangrove forests and parks. It has greenish brown upperparts and pale underparts. There is a pale stripe above the eye, and usually, a whitish bar on the wing. This small bird reaches lengths of about 12cm. It feeds on insects.
Tailorbirds (Family Cisticolidae)
The Dark-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus atrogularis) is a common resident bird that is usually found at forest edges and in wooded areas. It has a reddish brown crown, yellowish wings, back and tail, white belly, and a very dark throat. This small bird gets to about 11cm long, and feeds on insects. The tailorbirds have gotten their name from the fact that they build their nests by sewing leaves together with plant fibre and spider web.
The Rufous-tailed Tailorbird (Orthotomus sericeus) is an uncommon resident bird that is usually seen in forests, wooded areas or scrublands. It has a reddish brown crown, greyish brown upperparts, a reddish brown tail and white underparts. This small bird feeds on insects, and adult birds are about 11cm long. Like other tailorbirds, it builds its nest by sewing leaves together with plant fibre and spider web.
The Ashy Tailorbird (Orthotomus ruficeps) is a common resident bird that can be found in mangrove forests, coastal forests and nearby scrublands. It has a reddish brown head and greyish body. The adults are about 10cm long. It feeds on insects. Like other tailorbirds, it builds its nest by sewing leaves together with plant fibre and spider web.
Old World Babblers (Family Timaliidae)
The Pin-striped Tit-babbler (Macronous gularis) is a common resident bird that is found in wooded areas and forest edges. This small bird (about 13cm long) is very active and usually seen in small flocks, jumping about from branch to branch. It can be recognised by its streaked, yellow underparts and brown upperparts. It feeds on small invertebrates among the leaves and branches. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.
The White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus) is a common introduced bird which can be seen in parks, wooded areas, secondary forests, and edges of primary forests. This is a noisy, gregarious bird with a laugh-like call, and hence the common name "laughingthrush". It has an obvious black eyeband, a white head, reddish brown back and white underparts. The adult bird is about 30cm long. It feeds on small invertebrates, small lizards, fruits, seeds and nectar.
White-eyes (Family Zosteropidae)
The Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus) is an uncommon introduced bird that can be found in secondary forests, parks and mangrove forests. Singapore used to have a native population, but the current population is descended from escaped/released pets or those released for religious merit-making purposes. It can be easily recognised by the prominent white eye rings, yellowish green upperparts, and whitish underparts (usually with a yellowish patch/stripe in the middle). The adult bird is about 10cm long. It feeds on fruits, flowers and insects.
Starlings & Mynas (Family Sturnidae)
The Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis) is a very common resident bird that can be found islandwide in parks, gardens, urban areas, rural areas, forests, mangroves, and wooded areas. It can be recognised by the red eyes and black glossy plumage, which may appear bluish, greenish or purplish. depending on the angle of the light. The juveniles lack the gloss and have streaked underparts. This species gets to about 20cm long, and feeds on fruits and insects.
The Purple-backed Starling (Agropsar sturninus), also known as the Daurian Starling, is a very common winter visitor. Huge flocks up to a thousand can be seen some times. This species has a light grey head, whitish underparts, purplish back, and greenish-black wings with two white bars on them. It gets to about 19cm long, and feeds on fruits and insects.
The Common Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) is an uncommon resident bird that can be seen sometimes in forests and wooded areas. It is black all over except for the orange bill, yellow legs, and yellow skin under the eyes and around the back of the head. It is a very good mimic of human speech and other sounds, and hence is sometimes kept as a pet. It grows to about 30cm long, and feed on fruits and small animals.
The Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) is a very common introduced species that can be seen islandwide in urban areas, parks, rural areas, scrubland, secondary forests and wooded areas. It has a dark grey plumage with white bars/patches on the tail and wings. The bill and legs are yellow. It gets to about 25cm long, and feeds on fruits, small invertebrates and human food.
The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a common resident which is believed to have spread naturally from Indochina to Peninsular Malaysia then to Singapore in the early 1900s. It can be recognised by the brown plumage and yellow eye batch. The adult bird is about 25cm long. This species feeds on small invertebrates, fruits, seeds, and human food.
Nuthatches (Family Sittidae)
The Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis) is a rare vagrant in Singapore, which is occasionally seen in the forests and mangroves. It can be recognised by the red bill, black forehead, bluish back, and purplish underparts. It gets to about 12cm long. Being a very agile climber, it can run up and down the trunk and branches very quickly, hunting insects to feed on. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.
Flycatchers (Family Muscicapidae)
The Mangrove Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis rufigastra) is a rare resident bird that lives in mangrove forests. It has dark blue upperparts and orange underparts, though sometimes the belly may be whitish. This bird gets to about 15cm long. It feeds mostly on small flying insects.
The White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus) is a rare resident bird which is usually found in the forest. It has an obvious white rump, black upperparts and orange underparts. The male has a long black tail. The call is very melodious, and hence it is very popular in the songbird trade. This bird gets to about 28cm long. It feeds mostly on insects.
The Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) is an uncommon resident bird that is found in secondary forests, mangrove forests, wooded areas, parks and gardens. The male has a black head, neck and upperparts, and white belly, undertail and wingbar. The above photo, which was taken in Hong Kong, features a female which is more dark grey than black. It is a popular in the songbird trade due to its melodious call. It gets to about 20cm long, and feeds on insects and other small invertebrates.
Several brownish flycatchers can be seen in Singapore, and the Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica) is the commonest. It is a winter visitor, and can be seen in forests, mangroves, wooded areas, parks and gardens. It has brownish grey upperparts, and light brown/greyish breast, and whitish belly. The adult gets to about 13cm long. It feeds on small flying insects by sitting quietly on a perch before flying out to catch them and returning quickly to the perch.
Flowerpeckers (Family Dicaeidae)
The Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum) is a common resident bird which is found in forests, parks, scrublands and wooded areas. The male can be easily recognised by its obvious red upperparts, black face, sides and wings, and white underparts. The female Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker has a greyish brown back, red rump, and whitish underparts. This small bird (about 9cm long) feeds on small fruits.
The Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma) is a common resident bird that is usually seen in forested areas. The male has can be recognised by its orange back and underparts, greyish blue wings and head, and pale blue throat. The female Orange-bellied Flowerpecker has olive upperparts and pale yellowish brown underparts with a yellow vent. This small bird reaches lengths of about 9 cm. It feeds on small fruits and insects.
Sunbirds & Spiderhunters (Family Nectariniidae)
The Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) is a very common resident bird that can be found in urban areas with plants, parks, gardens, coastal forests, secondary forests, open habitats and scrublands. This small bird (about 10cm long) feeds mostly on nectar, though they also take small insects especially during the breeding season and when feeding their young. The male is easily recognised by the glossy dark blue forehead, throat and upper breast. In additional it has a yellow belly and yellowish brown upperparts. The female Olive-backed Sunbird lacks the glossy dark blue coloration, and has yellow underparts.
The Crimson Sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) is a common resident bird that can be found in parks, wooded areas and forest edges. The male has a red head, upper back, and breast, brownish flight feathers, greyish belly and bluish tail. The female is yellowish all over. This species reaches lengths of about 13 cm. It feeds mostly on nectar.
The Brown-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) is a common resident bird that can be seen in mangrove forests, parks and wooded areas. The male has a brown throat, red eyes, bluish iridescent crown, neck and upper back, olive lower back and wings, and yellow underparts. The female Brown-throated Sunbird has red eyes, olive upperparts and yellow underparts. It gets to about 14cm long, and feeds mostly on nectar.
The Copper-throated Sunbird (Nectarinia calcostetha) is an uncommon resident bird that lives in mangrove forests. The male can be identified by its reddish copper throat, metallic purple breast, metallic greenish crown, upper back and rump, and the rest of the body greyish. The female Copper-throated Sunbird has a grey head, brownish upperparts, pale grey throat, yellow belly, and black tail with white tips. The adult reaches lengths of about 14cm. This species feeds mostly on the nectar of mangrove plants.
The Purple-throated Sunbird (Nectarinia sperata) is a common resident sunbird that can be seen in forests and wooded areas. The male can be recognised by its purple throat, green cap, red breast, grey belly and tail, and dark upperparts. The female Purple-throated Sunbird has olive upperparts and yellow underparts. This small bird gets to just about 10 cm long, and feeds mostly on nectar.
Sparrows (Family Passeridae)
The Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) is a very common resident bird that can be seen islandwide in urban areas, rural areas, open habitats and parks. It has an obvious black patch on the face, brown head and upperparts, marked with black and paler streaks and bars, and the underparts are of a light brown. This small bird (about 13cm long) feeds on seeds and insects.
Weavers (Family Ploceidae)
The Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) is a common resident bird that is usually found in open habitats and scrublands. It has gotten its name from its nest, which is built from weaving grass blades into a vase-shaped structure. The breeding male, featured in the above photo, has a yellow crown, dark face and bill, and brownish body with the upperparts marked with darker and paler streaks and bars. Non-breeding males and females look alike, lacking the yellow crown and dark face, and having brown bills instead of black ones. This species grows to about 15cm long, and feeds on seeds.
Several exotic weavers can be seen in Singapore, which may be escaped pets or those released for religious merit-making purposes. The above Red Bishop (Euplectes orix) is an example. It has a reddish crown, black face and belly, reddish rump and brownish back.
Munias (Family Estrildidae)
The White-headed Munia (Lonchura maja) is a common resident bird that is usually seen in open habitats and grassy areas. It has a distinctive white to very pale brown head that is relatively large compared to the brown body. This bird gets to about 12cm long, and feeds on seeds.
The Black-headed Munia (Lonchura malacca) is a common resident munia with a distinctive black head that is relatively large compared to the reddish brown body. It gets to about 12cm long, and feeds on seeds. This species, like other munias, can be found in open habitats and grassy areas.
The Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata) is the commonest resident munia in Singapore, and like the previous species, is usually found in grassy areas and open habitats. This species has brown upperparts and scaly underparts. This small bird (about 11cm long) feeds mainly on seeds and sometimes, small fruits.
Pipits & Wagtails (Family Motacillidae)
The Paddyfield Pipit (Anthus rufulus) is a common resident species that is usually seen in open habitats and grassy areas. It has contrasting dark and light brown streaks on its upperparts, and pale underparts with faint streaks on the breast. This species has a more upright posture compare to most other pipits, and is often seen running on the ground, catching insects among the grass to feed on. It grows to about 15cm long.
The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a rare winter visitor that is sometimes seen in open areas near water, or along rivers and sea shore. It has grey upperparts, a black breast and tail, and whitish under parts. The male has a black cap, which the female lacks. This species gets to about 18cm long, and feeds on insects. The above photo was taken in Hong Kong.
References
- Bird Ecology Study Group. Retrieved Apr 8, 2013, http://www.besgroup.org
- Briffett, C. 1986. A guide to the common birds of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
- Burnie, D. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 pp.
- Edwards, Scott V. and John Harshman. 2013. Passeriformes. Perching Birds, Passerine Birds. Version 06 February 2013 (under construction). http://tolweb.org/Passeriformes/15868/2013.02.06 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/
- 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.
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