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Adult Crimson-rumped Waxbill feeding fledglings

on 9th June 2015

Melinda and Chan Yoke Meng stumbled upon an adult Crimson-rumped Waxbill (Estrilda rhodopyga) feeding two fledglings sometime in 2014 (above).

The juveniles, as with most juveniles, were not afraid of Melinda and Yoke Meng, allowing them to approach within a metre.

These exotic waxbills were first reported in Punggol grassland in February 2011 LINK. Originating from East Africa, this common aviary species are obviously escapees.

A few months later, Lena Chow reported having them in her garden LINK. And in January 2014, a flock of about 20 birds was seen at Gardens by the Bay LINK.

Now that we have photographic evidence of an adult feeding fledglings, the possibility of these waxbills breeding in Singapore exists. We now need to locate their nesting sites.

Chan Yoke Meng, Melinda Chan & Lena Chow
Singapore
June 2015

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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