Official Magazine of Nature Society (Singapore) Volume 25 No 4 Oct-Dec 2017 S$5.00

BHUTAN Inaugural festival celebrates diversity

SINGAPORE Sad trade in caged

INDIA Summer Garden oasis

MCI(P) 042/04/2016 Peninsular Malaysia has Hornbills? Really?”

Message from the Editors Contents Vol 25 No 4 October – December 2017

NATURE SOCIETY (SINGAPORE) Editor he later months of the year are always a busy time for birders in 2 A First for Bhutan Birds Patron Gemma Koh Professor Tommy Koh Singapore, with the inward migration from the north adding to the President number of birds and of species. Hence the NSS Bird Group conducts Dr Shawn Lum T Assistant Editor Vice-President their annual bird race in October (this year was the 33rd!!) and the annual raptor Margie Hall Mr Leong Kwok Peng watch in November. Each year brings particular migrant excitements. This season’s Designer Immediate Past President included the Blue-winged Pitta (Pitta moluccensis) that became a star attraction in Dr Geh Min S.T. Leng Honorary Secretary a HDB playground of Hougang Central, and two congregations of wagtails (each Mr Peter Connell in the low hundreds – an unprecedented number!) at Yishun and at Sembawang.* Contributors Honorary Treasurer Mr Yip Yew Chong And so it seems fitting that we end the year with a special bird-themed issue of Ng Bee Choo, Rajesh Patil, Gerard Francis, Sreedharan Gopalsamy, Honorary Assistant Secretary Nature Watch, although none of our stories are actually about birding in Singapore. Mr Michael Lee Serene Chng, James A. Eaton Hornbill conservationist and NSS Vertebrate Study Group Chairperson, Honorary Assistant Treasurer Mr Bhagyesh Chaubey Ng Bee Choo, reports on the inaugural Bhutan Bird Festival and the Himalayan Printing by Mainland Press Pte Ltd Executive Committee Members kingdom’s efforts at conserving and promoting their rich bird life locally and MCI (P) 122/04/2017 Mr Goh Si Guim Dr Ho Hua Chew internationally. A story about a bird festival would not be complete without ISSN: 0218-6853 Mr Stephen Beng gorgeous examples of the feathered subjects, and so along with it we showcase Finance Advisory Group Members Copyright belongs to the authors. All rights Mr T. Selvaratnam 11 Songsters of Singapore Mr Albert Sin Sreedharan Gopalsamy’s poetry in pixels from his recent trip to the same country. reserved. No part of this publication may Ms Trixie Tan Sree, along with another amazingly talented local photographer, Gerard be reproduced in any form or any means Co-opted Council Members Francis, have also contributed their images to a story by school teacher Rajesh without prior permission in writing from Assoc Prof P.N. Avadhani Nature Society (Singapore). The views Ms Margie Hall Mr Ben Szeto Patil from India. Rajesh shares how, in the country’s notorious summer heatwave, and opinions expressed or implied in this Dr Liew Kai Khiun he turned his garden into a verdant oasis for thirsty birds. publication are those of the authors and Advisory Council Members contributors only and do not necessarily Mr Warren Khoo, Prof Koh Kheng Lian, But humans are sadly not always so kind to birds. As compared to the reflect the official views of Nature Society Mr Lim Jim Koon, Mr Liu Thai Ker, Prof Ng Soon Chye, Mr Sim Wong Hoo, inward bird migration to Singapore mentioned earlier, another set of non-resident (Singapore) or its members. Mr Mason Tan birds tragically take a far less congenial route to Singapore, via the regional and BirdLife International Coordinator Mr Lim Kim Keang international bird trade, ending up in our pet shops. Serene Chng of wildlife trade Advertisements Environmental Law and Policy Coordinator monitoring network TRAFFIC brings us sobering statistics on birds sold here. To advertise in Nature Watch, contact: IUCN Coordinator - Along with photographs (which some may find disturbing) by James A. Eaton, it’s Nature Society (Singapore) office at: 510 Geylang Road COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS a stark reminder of the big appetite our small island nation has for caged birds and Conservation Committee The Sunflower #02-05 Mr Leong Kwok Peng (Acting Chair) the conservation problems this creates for our neighbours, as well as further afield. Singapore 389466 Education Group Eagle eyed Nature Watch readers would have noted that the issue you hold Tel: (65) 6741 2036 Mr Goh Ter Yang in your hands is the sixth you’ve received this year (instead of the usual four). 18 Summer Sanctuary Fax: (65) 6741 0871 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP CHAIRPERSONS E-mail: [email protected] Bird Group Mr Lim Kim Chuah The extra two were issues that had been held over from previous years. On this Website: www.nss.org.sg

Butterfly & Insect Group sweet note, we wish you happy holidays, and the very best for 2018. May the new - year bring even more wonderful sightings of your favourite creatures (feathered Advertising rates (full colour): Jalan Hijau Full page: S$2,000 Mr Tan Hang Chong or otherwise) and some significant steps forward in biodiversity and habitat 1⁄2 Page: S$1,000 Marine Conservation Group conservation in Singapore, the region and all across our wonderful planet. 2/3 page: S$800 Mr Stephen Beng 1/3 page: S$500 Plant Group 15% discount for four insertions. Dr Shawn Lum (Acting) Gemma Koh and Margie Hall The Nature Ramblers November 2017 Mr Pandian Parthasarathy

Vertebrate Study Group Nature Watch is printed on LumiArt Ms Ng Bee Choo *Read about them in the October 2017 edition of the Singapore Bird Report at paper from Stora Enso Europe Nature News Editorial Committee with ISO 14001 Environmental Ms Gloria Seow singaporebirdgroup.wordpress.com. Mr Timothy Pwee Management Certification. Mainly Mr Goh Si Guim Share with us your stories, articles, surveys, observations and photographs. recycled paper is used, the rest is NSS Secretariat Please email a proposal to [email protected] and we will get back to you. pulp from sustainable and controlled ON THE COVER Photo by Sreedharan Gopalsamy Mr Joseph Lim (Accounts & Membership Do include samples of your writing and/or photographs (maximum 20 images sources in Finland, Brazil and other Officer) per submission). We require good quality, high resolution JPEG images (ideally This juvenile male Blue-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus frontalis) was sitting high up Mr Kerry Pereira (Member Programme & European countries. Outreach Officer) uncropped) in the largest size available, labelled with a descriptive file name. and surveying its surroundings as the rain began to pour on yet another wet morning at the start of the dry season in Bhutan.

2 Nature Watch Jul - Dec 2014 Bird Festival

Students trying out the author’s binoculars.

Flag raising ceremony. A First for Bhutan Birds Ng Bee Choo reports on the colourful proceedings of the inaugural Bhutan Bird Festival, and the country’s efforts at national and international levels to conserve and promote its rich bird life, while Sreedharan Gopalsamy showcases their beauty.

Photos by Ng Bee Choo Bird photos by Sreedharan Gopalsamy

The Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) is a fairly widespread species. Here, it is resting after feeding in the rain. It is one of the easiest birds to recognise and one species you are never going to confuse with anything else. Photo: Sreedharan Gopalsamy

2 Nature Watch Oct – Dec 2017 Oct – Dec 2017 Nature Watch 3 hutan, known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a landlocked country bordered by India in the south, west and east and China in the north. It is close to, and shares theB same latitude as Nepal. According to bird guide Phub Dorji Wangruk, 724 species of birds (at time of print) have been recorded, and more are yet to be discovered, in this paradise for bird watchers and ornithologists.

The inaugural Bhutan Bird Festival was held over three days from 8 to 10 October 2015 at Tingtibi in the Zhemgang District. It was organised by the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE), which is housed under the Department of Forests and Park Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests. The theme was Celebrating Birds, Celebrating Life. It was one of many events organised to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Fourth King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He is much revered by the Bhutanese. He transformed the country from a monarchy to a democracy, and abdicated at age 51 years in December 2006 and relinquished the throne in favour of his son. On the first day of the festival, our driver picked us up from our hotel early in the morning and took us to the venue, the Tingtibi Lower Secondary School. Site of Bird Festival.

UWICE staff showing the Minister the Chestnut-bellied Nuthatchs.

View of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck Himalayan Range from Dochula pass.

4 Nature Watch Oct – Dec 2017 Oct – Dec 2017 Nature Watch 5 The Singapore-Bhutan Birding Connection

On arrival, Thai hornbill expert Dr Pilai Poonswad (who n 2009, I wrote to invite a representative from Bhutan – a popular bird watching destination – to attend the 5th was invited as a guest speaker; see box) and I were escorted International Hornbill Conference (IHC) in Singapore, and to share information of hornbills in his country. to a tent to await the arrival of the other guests and the I In May 2015, I organised a bird watching tour to Bhutan. Our guide turned out to be Mr Sherub – the same Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture person I had invited to Singapore in 2009 – the only ornithologist in Bhutan at that time. Nature Tourism-Bhutan, and Forests, Lyonpo Yeshey Dorji. the tour company I engaged, thought that they had to send an ornithologist, seeing that Dr Pilai Poonswad, the The Minister’s arrival was greeted with gongs and Thai hornbill expert, was part of our group. horns, which added to the festive atmosphere of the outdoor During our trip, we were invited to lunch with Dr Nawang Norbu, then Director of Ugyen Wangchuck Institute event. The Minister gave the keynote address and conferred for Conservation and Environment (UWICE). At that time, UWICE was keen to start research work on the four the Jigme Singye Wangchuck Outstanding Environmental species of hornbills found there: the Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros Stewardship Award to senior UWICE staff Mr Sherub (he undulatus), Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris). UWICE staff goes by one name) also known as the Birdman. also expressed interest in hosting a future IHC. Sherub is one of the best known birdwatchers in Not long after our trip to Bhutan, Dr Poonswad received an invitation from UWICE on behalf of the Ministry Bhutan and is involved in many conservation efforts there, of Agriculture and Forests to speak at the inaugural Bhutan Bird Festival (BBF) to be held in October 2015. including Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis) and Young boys dancing. Dr Poonswad suggested that I should be invited too since I represent the Hornbill Research Foundation as an White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) projects. The latter bird International Coordinator. is on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered, and there The trip gave me an opportunity to liaise with organisers of and to look at venues for the 8th International are only about 150 individuals of this heron species left in Hornbill Conference to be held in Bhutan in 2021. I look forward to working with the Bhutanese on this conference the world. Sherub has been training young birdwatchers and and will announce details as soon as they are available. UWICE staff in conservation work; many of them are now taking on new projects, including that of researching and conserving Rufous-necked Hornbills (Aceros nipalensis). The Minister was shown two Chestnut-bellied and why they should start researching the hornbills in their Nuthatches (Sitta cinnamoventris); they had been caught by country. She was an entertaining speaker, peppering her UWICE staff doing a bird-ringing programme at the nearby speech in with jokes. forest just that morning and were due to be released later. Her talk was very well received, even by the young The web-based Birds of Bhutan app was also students who may not have been able to understand all that launched, and staff of UWICE read a poem on birds. she had said in English, but were never rowdy. (Since the early After dark, Dr Poonswad gave a talk on ‘Hornbills: 1980s, all students in Bhutan have had to learn English). Importance of basic research for their conservation and The organisers packed in several activities over the long-term survival’. She shared with the Bhutanese how Rufous-necked Hornbill in the forest near the festival venue. three-day festival. They included a cultural show, as well as dance performances by various dance groups and school students. In addition to shot-put, darts, football, bird bingo and quizzes, there were local games and stalls selling local food and handicrafts, and an exhibition of images of birds and conservation sites in Bhutan. The organisers also arranged for participants to go on bird watching tours and on river rafting trips. Dr Poonswad and I had the opportunity to do a bit of bird watching on the second and third days of the festival near the site, accompanied by local guide Phub Dorji Wangruk. We were happy to be able to see Rufous-necked Hornbills and Golden Langurs (Trachypithecus geei). We were also glad to note that Bhutan still has 70 per cent forest coverage; at least 60 per cent of the country is gazetted as protected forests and will be kept as such in perpetuity. I am sure that UWICE will be organising future bird festivals, and we wish them continued success.

The writer expresses her thanks to Mr Sherub, Ms Namgay Dema (liaison officer) and Mr Singye (from UWICE, who acted as driver) for all their support during the visit; and the The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Forests, Lyonpo management of UWICE and Ministry of Agriculture for making Yeshey Dorji (right) confers the Jigme Singye Wangchuck the trip to the BBF possible. A view of the Berti-Tagma Birding Trail. Outstanding Environmental Stewardship Award on Mr Sherub.

6 Nature Watch Oct – Dec 2017 Oct – Dec 2017 Nature Watch 7 Birds of Bhutan Gallery By Sreedharan Gopalsamy

This Southern Nutcracker (Nucifraga hemispila) spent most of its time high in trees, but I snapped it at ground level as it came down to feed. Despite the early morning mist, a light breeze gave me a small window to get a clear shot. Although it has a wide range worldwide, this was a lifer for me.

From afar, some have mistaken the River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii; pictured) for the highly sought after Ibisbill (Ibidorhyncha struthersii). I managed to see both species at The female Slaty-blue Flycatcher (Ficedula tricolor) is not As I walked along the trail avoiding cow dung and multi- close quarters at the same location, Thimphu Chhu. as striking as its male counterpart but is still an interesting sized leeches, I saw a few White-tailed Nuthatches (Sitta bird to photograph. I had a quick opportunity to shoot it himalayensis) moving from tree to tree feeding. I was during its short stopover while feeding among the shrubs glad to get this shot of the bird in its classic upside down and undergrowth. feeding position.

An Ibisbill (Ibidorhyncha struthersii) fishing along Thimphu Chhu. The bird has a long decurved bill similar to that of the Ibis and hence the name of this unique species. Usually found in high altitudes, the bird is one of the "most-wanted" in the world by birders.

Leaf warblers are active, constantly moving as they glean the foliage for insects along the branches of trees This juvenile female Blue-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus and bushes. Thus they can be hard to photograph. This The Rufous-vented Tit (Periparus rubidiventris) is a common all-year resident in Bhutan. This tiny songbird species can be frontalis) came down low to the bushes, allowing me to Tickell’s Leaf-warbler's (Phylloscopus affinis) short five- pretty active whilst feeding. Although it was raining and cold outside, I was relatively warm and dry photographing from get a great close eye-level shot. I was well-hidden, and the second stop on a small branch gave me the perfect a cowshed up high in the mountains. bird was oblivious to my presence. opportunity to capture it.

8 Nature Watch Oct – Dec 2017 Oct – Dec 2017 Nature Watch 9 travel tips

Ng Bee Choo The drive from Paro Airport to Cafe), Gelephu (for tea break) and Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan) Tsirang (where we spent the night). Bhutan was 55km. From there, it took Our journey took much longer Thimphu Dochula two days to travel about 300km than expected because of ongoing Tingtibi to Tingtibi. This included stops at works to widen the roads. Paro Dochula pass (for tea, coffee and At Dochula pass, we also vis- a packed lunch at Druk Wangyel ited the 108 memorial chortens or Gelephu

stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens. They were commis- sioned by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the eldest Queen Mother as a memorial to the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed during the battle against Assamese insurgents from India in December 2003. Tingtibi is a small town, not quite developed when we visited. It had only two very basic hotels; we stayed at the better one, the The cafe at Dochula pass. Chortens at Dochula pass. T-Wang Hotel. Having been to the highlands in May 2015, I did not realise that it could be so warm (35°C) in the lowland. I had packed mostly warm clothes and felt overheated.

Ng Bee Choo is chairperson of the Vertebrate Study Group of Nature Society (Singapore). She assists Hornbill Research Foundation as its international coordinator and works with organisations in Southeast Asia for the conservation of critically- endangered hornbills and pangolins in Tingtibi town and T-Wang Hotel (foreground on right). this region.

Sreedharan Gopalsamy Book your trip from Singapore to the travel agent. We made our watching/photography along the Bhutan via DrukAsia, who are also travel arrangements with Sonam way as well as in the parks nearby the authorised resellers of DrukAir Dorji in conjunction with Happiness including the Royal Botanical Park who fly direct from Singapore to Kingdom Travels. Sonam is a very Dochula, Jigme Dorji National Park, Paro thrice weekly. You can also experienced guide who Gedu and Chele La Pass. arrange your trip itinerary with them specialises in butterflies, birding and or, with a Bhutan-based travel agen- bird photography tours as well What started off as a bird watching cy who are government approved. as the regular cultural tours. hobby with his family in the early 2000s The standard fixed cost of During our 10-day stay in has turned into a serious passion for bird USD200 per day includes all meals, Bhutan, we stayed at various hotels and nature photography for Sreedharan accommodation (at least 3 star), in Thimphu (Ariya Hotel), Chukha Gopalsamy. His day job as a senior transport, guide and entrance fees. (Royal Orchid) and Punakha lecturer helps fund his passion that has The fee may vary slightly according (Drubchhu Resort). All the accom- taken him all over the world. Sree led to the season. You will also need modation and food was very good. several NSS walks in the past, especially to to book your Bhutan visa through We did our bird and butterfly Pulau Semakau.

10 Nature Watch Oct – Dec 2017 Wildlife Trade

Over 1,000 Red-whiskered Bulbuls were observed in one shop.

Songsters of Singapore Our damaging obsession with caged birds

Would you be surprised to ver four days in November and December 2015, birds were found in 28 of the 39 Singapore pet shops visited learn that at any given time, by TRAFFIC researchers. These shops, licensed to sell more than 14,000 birds are on birds, were visited once each. Researchers recorded all birds openly displayed for sale in each shop, except for sale in 28 pet shops scattered Odomestically-bred, non-wild species and individuals such as Budgerigars across our tiny island city? (Melopsittacus undulatus), Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and Canaries (Crithagra spp. and Serinus spp.). TRAFFIC’s Serene Chng The results were detailed in the report, Songsters of Singapore: An details the wildlife trade overview of the bird species in Singapore pet shops. A total of 14,085 birds monitoring network’s recent from 109 species were recorded. The Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpe- brosus) made up a whopping 46% of birds recorded. rapid assessment of the open Fourteen thousand birds is no trifling number. To give a sense of sale of birds in Singapore, scale: over 16,000 birds were recorded by the same researchers in Jakarta’s (and arguably ’s) largest bird market Pramuka. The massive wild the clues it uncovered about caged bird trade in Indonesia is now flagged internationally as a conser- the nature of this industry, vation matter of concern. Meanwhile, approximately 8,000 birds have been recorded in 52 pet shops across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and the harm to songbird Vietnam’s largest cities. conservation in the region. This study and earlier comprehensive bird shop studies indicate that numbers in Singapore have remained high for more than 20 years, Photos by James A. Eaton though the diversity of species appears to have decreased. A 2005-2006 study (Lee, 2006) recorded 13,968 individuals of 134 species from 38

Oct – Dec 2017 Nature Watch 11 pet shops, while an earlier study from listed in the CITES Appendices, where were detailed in Conservation Strategy 1992-1993 recorded at least 128,000 international trade is regulated and per- for Southeast Asian Songbirds in Trade, birds of 247 non-CITES species over mits are required to import the birds. which addressed the wider conservation 252 shop visits – an average of 414 Unfortunately, we were unable to deter- challenge the massive regional caged individuals per shop, or 17,802 at 43 mine the legality of these birds as details bird trade poses to wild populations. shops, at any one time. (Nash, 1993). on what the pet stores were licensed Almost 70% of the birds (from seven Of interest, 80% of individu- to sell, CITES permits and quarantine species) from TRAFFIC’s 2015 study als recorded in the current study were regulation checks, were unavailable from feature on that list. not native to Singapore. This raises the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of The Straw-headed Bulbul question: where did they come from? Singapore (AVA). (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) is a case in Singapore, a global avicultural trading How much of this trade is a point. An earlier review of the trade of hub, has been importing and exporting potential conservation concern for this species in Singapore (Chng et al., birds to and from more than 30 coun- wild birds? The impact of Singapore’s 2016) referenced accounts of poaching tries in the last decade. bird trade extends beyond the coun- reported by local birders. It also record- About a third of the non-native try. Twenty-eight priority bird spe- ed small numbers for sale in pet shops species recorded in this study come cies threatened by trade were identi- as well as online. Straw-headed Bulbuls from the Indian subcontinent and else- fied for the Greater Sunda region at traded in Singapore could be individuals where in Southeast Asia, while another the 1st Asian Songbird Trade Crisis that were legally imported before 2000 third originate from Latin America. Just Summit held in September 2015. and therefore at least 16 years old. But under half of the species recorded are Recommendations from this summit it is more likely that the young birds

Montane White-eye (Zosterops poliogastrus), native to East Africa.

offered for sale were obtained though illegal means: poached and smuggled Mortality rates for smuggled birds are high. in from neighbouring countries, or poached from Singaporean wild popula- In October 2015, for instance, a Singapore tions. Singapore is the last stronghold for the Strawheaded Bulbul. For a species man was sentenced to nine weeks jail for recently recognised as endangered on the IUCN Red List, and already extinct in smuggling six Chinese Hwameis and three many parts of its range due to trapping, every individual taken from the wild for White-rumped Shamas into Singapore. All the pet trade is one too many. Furthermore, individuals of the birds, smuggled in PVC pipes, perished. (sub) species restricted to Borneo were recorded in this survey. These were a Singapore man was sentenced to 75% of shops selling birds breached Pet the Whitecrowned Shama (Kittacincla nine weeks jail under the Endangered Shop License Conditions by display- stricklandii; sometimes considered as Species (Import and Export) Act and ing sick or diseased birds, or failing to a subspecies of Kittacincla malabarica) the and Birds Act for smug- provide clean drinking water or basic and Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus gling six Chinese Hwameis (Garrulax housing (ACRES, 2016). saularis) of the adamsi race. Both are canorus) and three White-rumped Even as the report uncovers clues priority species heavily trapped in the Shamas (Copsychus malabaricus) into about the trade in live birds, questions region for the caged bird trade. Their Singapore. All the birds, smuggled in arise over what sustains the demand for presence in Singapore pet shops shows PVC pipes, perished. such a large number for sale. Just who that birds are sourced from neighbour- In many pet shops and markets is buying all these birds and how often ing countries. where wildlife is sold, animals are kept do they buy them? The Oriental Magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) of the adamsi race is restricted to Sabah, Borneo. Its presence in Singapore pet Mortality rates for smuggled birds in poor conditions. An investigative Bird singing competitions are shops is evidence that the bird trade on the island affects populations from other countries in the region. are high. In October 2015, for instance, report in Singapore last year found that perhaps one of the biggest drivers

12 Nature Watch Oct – Dec 2017 Oct – Dec 2017 Nature Watch 13 Even as the report uncovers clues about the trade in live birds, questions arise over what sustains the demand for such a large number for sale. Just who is buying all these birds and how often do they buy them?

Turquoise-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva), native to South America.

Singapore bird shop.

behind the massive bird keeping culture in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, bird keeping started becoming popular after World War II. Songbird contests started in 1964. Regular contests held by local bird singing clubs, some accommodat- ing more than 1,000 cages, continue to be an important draw for bird keepers. The practice of merit release appears to have declined in recent years thanks to the combined efforts of local agencies and volunteers through Operation No Release, an initiative that began in the mid 2000s. Yet, small pas- serines that are commonly used in merit release, particularly Passeridae seed-eaters were documented in this study, suggest- ing that the practice continues. Still, the damage has been done. Invasive species from escaped or released birds also pose a conservation concern to native wild bird populations as they compete for resources such as nest sites and food. African finches have been recorded in increasing numbers across the past decade. Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) have been Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) for sale in Singapore. established for many decades, and are A Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata) song contest arena in Ang Mo Kio.

14 Nature Watch Oct – Dec 2017 Oct – Dec 2017 Nature Watch 15 Total Species and Individuals Offered for Sale in Singapore's Pet Stores

Common Name Scientific name IUCN CITES Number of Common Name Scientific name IUCN CITES Number of Status Appendix Individuals Status Appendix Individuals even considered as pests in Singapore, in Trade in Trade while in their native Java, trapping has Oriental White-eye ● Zosterops palpebrosus LC NC 6,473 Bluethroat Luscinia svecica LC NC 3 led to a severe decline in their numbers. Red-whiskered Bulbul ● Pycnonotus jocosus LC NC 2,811 Crested Lark Galerida cristata LC NC 3 Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus Zebra Dove Geopelia striata LC NC 1,227 Gold-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons LC NC 3 Red Avadavat Amandava amandava LC NC 1,030 Lady Amherst's Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae LC NC 3 jocosus) calls are heard not just from Scaly-breasted Munia punctulata LC NC 699 Lilac-crowned Amazon Amazona finschi EN II 3 cages hanging from HDB flats, but White-headed Munia Lonchura maja LC NC 494 Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata LC NC 3 also from a resident population derived Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata LC NC 220 Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope LC NC 3 from escapees in nearby parks and White-rumped Shama ● Kittacincla malabarica LC NC 155 Spot-throated Babbler Pellorneum albiventre LC NC 3 gardens. This author even observed an Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus LC II 96 Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus LC NC 2 active Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri LC III 89 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius LC NC 2 aurigaster) nest at Sengkang several Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis tigrina LC NC 72 Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus LC NC 2 Magpie Mannikin Lonchura fringilloides LC NC 60 Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius LC II 2 years ago; the birds are indeed on the Montane White-eye Zosterops poliogastrus LC NC 44 Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus LC NC 2 Singapore Checklist as introduced Black-headed Munia Lonchura atricapilla LC NC 40 Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis NT NC 2 resident breeders. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus LC NC 40 Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon LC NC 2 The bird trade documented in Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura LC NC 39 Marigold Lorikeet Trichoglossus capistratus capistratus LC II 2 Singapore is part of a wider conserva- Java Sparrow Lonchura oryzivora VU II 34 Red-bellied Macaw Orthopsittaca manilatus LC II 2 tion challenge facing the region. In the Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier LC NC 26 Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri NT II 2 last three years, TRAFFIC has recorded Oriental Magpie Robin ● Copsychus saularis LC NC 24 Red-fan Parrot Deroptyus accipitrinus LC II 2 almost 76,000 birds for sale in seven Black-headed Parrot Pionites melanocephalus LC II 21 Red-shouldered Macaw Diopsittaca nobilis LC II 2 Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus LC II 21 Reeves's Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii VU NC 2 one-off inventory studies documenting Chinese Hwamei Garrulax canorus LC II 21 Southern Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa NT II 2 trade in 13 cities in Indonesia, Thailand, Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus LC NC 21 White-crested Laughingthrush Garrulax leucolophus diardi LC NC 2 Singapore and Vietnam. Singapore, a Green-cheeked Parakeet Pyrrhura molinae LC II 19 Yellow-crested Cockatoo Cacatua sulphurea CR II 2 country trading in a significant volume Blue-rumped Parrot Psittinus cyanurus NT II 17 Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria NT II 1 of birds sourced from Southeast Asia Sun Parakeet Aratinga solstitialis EN NC 16 Asian Pied Starling ● Gracupica contra jalla LC NC 1 and beyond, plays a key role in this Yellow-shouldered Amazon Amazona barbadensis VU I 16 Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria LC NC 1 trade as a consumer country. Yellow-throated Greenbul Chlorocichla flavicollis LC NC 16 Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis LC NC 1 Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus VU II 15 Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus LC NC 1 Blue-and-yellow Macaw Ara ararauna LC II 11 Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica VU II 1 References Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus roratus LC II 10 Blue-masked Leafbird Chloropsis venusta NT NC 1 Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Loriculus galgulus LC II 7 Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis NT II 1 Concerns Research and Education Greater Green Leafbird● Chloropsis sonnerati LC NC 7 Chinese Blackbird Turdus mandarinus LC NC 1 Society (ACRES) (2016). An investigation into pet shop conditions for birds in Singapore. ACRES, Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula LC NC 7 Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja LC NC 1 Singapore. Red-and-green Macaw Ara chloropterus LC II 7 Dusky Parrot Pionus fuscus LC II 1 Chinese Hwamei, native to East Asia. White-crowned Shama ● Kittacincla stricklandii stricklandii LC NC 7 Festive Amazon Amazona festiva bodini NT II 1 Chng, S.C.L., Lee, J.G.H. and Shepherd, C.R. (2016). The conservation status, legal protec- Yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala LC II 7 Finsch's Parakeet Psittacara finschi LC II 1 tion and assessment of the trade in Straw-headed Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis LC NC 6 Javan White-eye Zosterops flavus NT NC 1 What can be done to What can you, a Bulbuls in Singapore. TRAFFIC Bulletin Coconut Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus LC II 6 Lord Derby's Parakeet Psittacula derbiana NT II 1 haematodus improve the situation? concerned lover of birds 28(2):48-52. Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri LC II 1 Javan Munia Lonchura leucogastroides LC NC 6 We recommend that Agri-Food & in the wild, do? Eaton, J.A., Leupen, B.T.C. and Krishnasamy, Mongolian Lark Melanocorypha mongolica LC NC 1 Orange-headed Thrush ● Geokichla citrina LC NC 6 Veterinary Authority of Singapore Be our eyes and ears! If you see K. (2017). Songsters of Singapore: An overview of Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii LC NC 1 the bird species in Singapore pet shops Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severus LC II 5 (AVA) conducts frequent checks at anyone trapping birds or selling native . TRAFFIC, Palm Cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus LC I 1 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Galah Eolophus roseicapilla LC II 5 all pet shops to ensure all the correct protected species in pet shops or Red-crested Turaco Tauraco erythrolophus LC II 1 Long-tailed Paradise-whydah Vidua paradisaea LC NC 5 permits are in order not just in terms online, please make a report through: Lee, S.H.J. (2006). Wildlife trade in Singapore: Rosy Starling Pastor roseus LC NC 1 Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea LC II 5 of bird welfare in the shop but also A review on the pet bird trade (honours thesis). Salmon-crested Cockatoo Cacatua moluccensis VU I 1 • AVA, 63257625 National University of Singapore, Singapore. White-bellied Parrot Pionites xanthomerius LC II 5 in terms of sources of the birds and Siberian Blue Robin Larvivora cyane LC NC 1 Common Hill Myna ● Gracula religiosa LC NC 4 CITES regulations. AVA could also • ACRES’ 24-hour Animal Crime Nash, S.V. (1993). Sold for a song: The trade in Siberian Thrush Geokichla sibirica LC NC 1 require pet shops selling birds to Southeast Asian non-CITES birds. TRAFFIC Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos LC NC 4 Investigation Unit hotline, 97837782 Straw-headed Bulbul ● Pycnonotus zeylanicus VU NC 1 display informational posters about International, Cambridge, UK. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita LC II 4 • Smartphone app Wildlife Sumatran Leafbird Chloropsis media LC NC 1 CITES regulation. Turquoise-fronted Amazon Amazona aestiva LC II 4 Witness, by TRAFFIC and Taronga Thick-billed Heleia Heleia crassirostris LC NC 1 We also call on shop owners to Yellow-naped Amazon Amazona auropalliata VU I 4 Conservation Society Australia; White-capped Parrot Pionus seniloides LC II 1 provide information on each bird’s Serene Chng works with TRAFFIC in Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata castanotis LC NC 4 download for free for iPhone and White-crowned Parrot Pionus senilis LC II 1 protection or CITES status and sources Southeast Asia as its Programme Officer Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata LC NC 3 Android (www.wildlifewitness.net). Yellow-faced Amazon Alipiopsitta xanthops NT II 1 of these birds, so that consumers can focusing on the wildlife pet trade in Black-throated Laughingthrush Garrulax chinensis LC NC 3 Zappey's Flycatcher Cyanoptila cumatilis LC NC 1 make informed, conscious decisions birds and reptiles. She formerly worked about buying sustainably-sourced pets. KEY at National Parks Board’s National ● Priority species identified in the Conservation Strategy for Southeast Asian Songbirds in Trade Biodiversity Centre on urban biodiversity, IUCN: LC – Least Concern CD – Conservation Dependent NT – Near Threatened VU – Vulnerable EN – Endangered CR – Critically Endangered The full report, Songsters of Singapore: An overview of the bird species and has volunteered with NSS on field CITES: NC – Not listed in any CITES Appendix in Singapore pet shops, is available at: surveys and guided walks. I – Listed in Appendix I, no international commercial trade permitted www.traffic.org/storage/Songsters-of-Singapore.pdf II and III – Listed in Appendix II and III, export permits needed for international trade

16 Nature Watch Oct – Dec 2017 Oct – Dec 2017 Nature Watch 17 Bird Watching Summer Sanctuary In India, the perennial problem of wondering how to spend your summer break is made harder by the long, hot days and sleepless nights. But in 2015, it was a different story for school teacher Rajesh Patil, who shares how his garden became a hotspot for feathered visitors.

Photos by Rajesh Patil, Gerard Francis and Sreedharan Gopalsamy

pril is the cruelest Maharashtra state. While the average Opportunity in Adversity month.” So goes the rainfall is around 600ml per year, this It is the same for birds, which are famous line in T.S. figure has been achieved only thrice otherwise attracted to the fields and Elliot’s The Wasteland. in the last decade. Delayed monsoons, river that normally provide shade, Replace the month scanty rainfall, fewer water reservoirs, food and water. In summer, the barren with“May”,A and it is true of the empty rivers and mismanagement make brown empty fields and dried river beds scorching summer in the Vidarbha life harder during summer. compel birds to hang around human Female Purple Sunbird. Photo: Gerard Francis region of Maharashtra state in India. Barren hillocks, deforestation and colonies. But this has its advantages for By eight in the morning, one feels dried up water sources drive animals the bird watchers. the heat. By ten, residents wind up and birds towards human residences. My home is at the end of a village most of their daily chores. By noon, the Incidents of big cats entering human surrounded by fields, most of which streets are deserted when everyone seeks habitats increase every year. Last year a have been converted into layouts and refuge in their homes under fans and leopard was caught resting in the market non-agricultural land. The trees have air coolers. Crossing the 45°C mark is area at the heart of the city, and another been cut down to make way for paved a regular phenomenon for the mercury, was observed resting in a small temple roads. The plots were purchased mostly occasionally hitting 48°C in mid May. near a traffic control point at Balapur, by rich investors who hardly care for You cannot enjoy evenings either, for just 25km from my home. They could their maintenance. Consequently, thick the wave of heat continues till nine. have been desperately searching for thorny bushes of babul trees flourish I live in Khamgaon, a small indus- water, said the forest department of here, providing an ideal home for small trial town in the western Vidarbha. It these intrusions. The situation worsens birds, particularly the Indian House is one of the drought prone regions of in May. Sparrow (Passer domesticus indicus).

Red-vented Bulbul. Photo: Gerard Francis Jungle Babbler. Photo: Gerard Francis Parrot in almond tree. Photo: Rajesh Patil

18 Nature Watch Oct – Dec 2017 Oct – Dec 2017 Nature Watch 19 Our two month-long friendship with the birds made us familiar with their sounds, their unique styles of drinking and eating, and their natures and habits. For example, Jungle Babblers and Red-vented Bulbuls are garrulous and aggressive by nature, while sparrows only fight among themselves, and retreat at the approach of a big bird. Doves prefer picking up their food from the terrace, rather than from the feeder.

However, at times enthusiasts clear such One afternoon, we heard the shrill singing on the branch near the water bushes during annual tree planting call of a parrot. Parrots are commonly bowl. A few days later, the female was events, driving away the birds. found in large numbers in this part of also spotted drinking water from the the world. But in the densely shadowed bowl. She always made a loud “click... Preparing for visitors almond tree, they were difficult to spot. click” sound as she approached. She At our home, my wife Sunita and I have Watching through the window, I saw a looked beautiful with brown and white developed a small 10ft by 35ft garden, parrot climbing down the tree to reach stripes on her feathers. with seven different flowering plants. the water bowl. They include hibiscus, custard apple, Cautiously, the green bird with Breakfast with Birds catharanthus roseus and an almond tree. red beak drank water and went back Watching the birds in our garden secret- We purchased a bird feeder in upwards using his legs and beak. A ly from windows became our favorite Purple Sunbird. Photo: Sreedharan Gopalsamy March 2015 and hung it on the almond group of seven to 10 noisy Jungle pastime. After winning their confidence, tree. We cut three earthen pots in the Babblers (Turdoides striata) conquered we camped on the porch; the feeder middle, giving each the shape of a bowl. the garden, fearlessly picking food and and water bowls were hardly 20 feet These bowls, filled with water, were drinking water. They were the first to away from us. This gave an opportunity placed at different spots in the garden. look curiously at the feeder. Soon they to take hundreds of pictures and some Then we waited. learnt how to obtain grain from it. interesting video clips. We waited in vain through the Birds stopped being bothered by first day. The next day, we saw our first The Crowd our presence. Neither did they flee. visitors: a pair of Red-vented Bulbuls The heat wave that May unleashed Squirrels ran busily about, while parrots (Pycnonotus cafer cafer). They raised our soon attracted more birds to our rested on branches closing their eyes. hopes. With new vigour, we filled the garden. It was as if they sensed the Every morning at nine, my wife and I bowls with water thrice a day. A few availability of water and food. They started taking our plates of beaten rice birds paid us brief courtesy visits. The came frequently to quench their thirst. to the porch for breakfast. feeder remained untouched. Then came a trail-blazing squirrel Soon we learned that sparrows But we noticed an increase in which attacked the feeder. It was later liked beaten rice. We prepared an passing flights over our garden. It was as joined by its whole family. extra plate for the visitors every day. if the birds were doing a reconnaissance Indian House Sparrows followed, Sparrows and Red-vented Bulbuls of our garden to ensure their safety. and the feeder was empty within a attacked the plate. It was sheer joy to Our patience paid off. One morn- week. Parrot visitors, which enjoyed the watch them competing for the food. ing, my wife was watering the hedges, almonds and water, increased. Our whole May and first two as usual, using a long garden pipe. More birds of variegated colours weeks of June were spent merrily with Suddenly, she came to me with a beam- were seen. As their numbers multiplied, our regular visitors. With the reopening ing face and dragged me out to the our garden became a busy place, with of schools and onset of the monsoon, porch and pointed at the hedges. The some birds drinking water or poking this saga came to an end. I returned to sight was heartening. A pair of White- their beaks to obtain grain from the my duties as a teacher, and the birds eyed Sparrows (Zosterops palpebrosus) feeder, whilst others waited on branches went back to the jungle. The garden was was sipping droplets from the bowls, for their turn to drink. deserted except for the occasional visitor rubbing their smalls feathers against One scorching evening, we heard coming to drink. It reminded us of our the leaves, and making a “chick...chick” an Indian Koel’s (Eudynamys scolopaceus) happy summer days. sound. After that, they came regularly in song. Hastily we ran towards the win- We were optimistic and our Indian Small Green Bee-eater (Green Bee-eater). Brahminy Myna (Brahminy Starling). the mornings and evenings. dow. A red-eyed, glossy-black koel was hopes proved true when summer 2016 Photo: Sreedharan Gopalsamy Photo: Sreedharan Gopalsamy

20 Nature Watch Oct – Dec 2017 Oct – Dec 2017 Nature Watch 21 wire. But we never saw a single crow The most surprising thing we witnessed was the unity of birds in the face of although crows are common in our area. approaching danger. The times a mongoose family entered our garden, all A feather in our caps birds, including those on the trees outside our property, would suddenly create New arrivals baffled my wife and I and we were always trying to find more a racket. Even the squirrels joined in until the enemy had been driven out. information on them. My friend Dr Narendra Deshmukh, scientific officer at Homi Visitors to the Garden Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) Mumbai, helped by sending Indian Common Name* Scientific Name The sun sets on a beautiful day. Photo: Rajesh Patil three books on birds which served as 1 Indian House Sparrow Passer domesticus indicus our encyclopedias. At night my wife and brought our friends back into the the feeder. Parrots find it difficult to I would discuss and tally the number of 2 Indian White-eyed Sparrow Zosterops palpebrosus (Oriental White-eye)* garden. Once again the saga continued, hold big almond pods in their beak. birds we saw. 3 Indian Myna Acridotheres tristis filling our otherwise dreadful summer They eat less than they take and waste After the newspapers published a (Common Myna) with joy. much. Every day we saw numerous story along with photos on our hobby, 4 Brahminy Myna Sturnia pagodarum green and red almond pods on the we received many phone calls. We also (Brahminy Starling) Observations ground – some of them barely touched were gifted ten bird feeders by Murtuza 5 Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense sinense The traditional concept of bird watch- once or twice. Ali, a retired computer science professor 6 Indian Pied Myna Gracupica contra ing in India demands visits to forests Indians believe that common from Amravati. We distributed these to (Asian Pied Starling) (Sturnus contra sordidus) in particular seasons with tripods, big sparrows are vegetarian, so we were our bird lover friends in different parts 7 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata binoculars, a rucksack and a guide. In surprised to see Indian House Sparrows of the city. The feeders attracted birds, 8 Indian Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius guzuratus dense green forests, birds are difficult devouring insects. bringing them the same joy 9 Large Pied Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis to spot during rainy season. Even if But the most surprising thing we we experienced. (White-browed Wagtail) one gets a glimpse of them, it is from a witnessed was the unity of birds in the Our new infatuation also boosted 10 Small Sunbird Leptocoma minima distance. You prepare your camera and face of approaching danger. The times a our feather collection, as I picked up the Photo: Gerard (Crimson-backed Sunbird) (Nectarinia minima) White-browed Wagtail. lenses, and when you are ready to click mongoose family entered our garden, all fresh quills I would find on the ground Francis 11 Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus the shutter, the bird is gone. Mostly birds, including those on the trees out- almost every morning. It also inspired (Nectarinia asiatica asiatica) these experiences are disappointing side our property, would suddenly create me to wander in the forest to find more 12 Southern Ashy Wren Warbler Prinia socialis socialis and frustrating. a racket. Even the squirrels joined in quills. I have collected hundreds over (Ashy Prinia) We never dreamt that birds may until the enemy had been driven out. 20 years. 13 Indian Small Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis orientalis be attracted in huge numbers to our During the monsoon, a pair of During my early morning bike (Green Bee-eater) garden and pictures could be taken from Red-vented Bulbuls built a nest on our ride to school 35km away, I often come 14 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus albirictus (Hodson) a close distance. The variety, we never porch. For several weeks, we watched across dead birds along the national 15 Large Ceylonese Parakeet Psittacula eupatria eupatria expected. It changed our concept of them building the nest, and nurturing highway crossing the rural area. To (Alexandrine Parakeet) bird watching. their babies. The most exciting part was prevent them from being crushed 16 Southern Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala In the first summer of 2015, watching them training their chicks to further, I stop to pick up the bodies and (Plum-headed Parakeet) we spotted 26 different species in our fly, which was done within hours. Their bury them safely in the roadside bushes. 17 Southern Crow Pheasant Centropus sinensis parroti (Greater Coucal) garden, mostly in pairs. Some like the abandoned nest was subsequently reused I take their colourful, scattered quills as Jungle Babblers and House Sparrows by a pair, and then by another pair of 18 Southern Rufous Woodpecker Micropterus brachyurus jerdonii a token. (Rufous Woodpecker) Black Drongo Photo: Sreedharan were in flocks. Through constant obser- bulbuls. A total of nine chicks were The quills, photos and informa- 19 White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Gopalsamy vation, we were able to differentiate the born in the same nest. We found it neat tion of birds have become learning males from the females. and clean whenever we inspected it. resources for my students’ environmen- 20 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer cafer Our two month-long friend- Our first bird watching season of tal science projects on birds. Most of my 21 Indian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus ship with the birds made us familiar 2015 was dominated by a group of 10 students come from rural backgrounds, (Asian Koel) with their sounds, their unique styles or so Jungle Babblers, while the summer and have to walk or bike miles through 22 White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis fusca of drinking and eating, and their of 2016 was dominated by a flock of 30 the fields. Learning about birds, even 23 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis natures and habits. For example, Jungle Indian House Sparrows. Bird visitors in through English-language poems, is a 24 Blue Rock Pigeon Columba livia Babblers and Red-vented Bulbuls are each season numbered more than 200. perennial source of joy in our school. (Common/Rock Pigeon) garrulous and aggressive by nature, Some of them preferred to stay on the 25 Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis while sparrows only fight among them- outermost branches of the tree. Some, Rajesh Patil was born in 1966, trained 26 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis selves, and retreat at the approach of a like the Black Drongos (Dicrurus mac- as a teacher in English and History, and Brahminy Myna (Brahminy Starling). big bird. Doves prefer picking up their rocercus albirictus) and Magpie Robins has worked at Saraswati Junior College at * As used by the author. Common names used more widely are given in brackets. Photo: Rajesh Patil food from the terrace, rather than from (Copsychus saularis), rested on fencing Paras, Akola since 1991.

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