Jared Tan

Introduction

Singapore is an island located at the southernmost tip of the Malay Peninsula. Although just separated by a short distance of 2 km by the Straits of Johor from neighbouring Johor, Malaysia, there are many species found in Peninsula Malaysia which have not been recorded or have been found to be locally extirpated from Singapore. Species such as Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis umbratilis and Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulatus have never been recorded in Singapore, while Moustached Babbler Malacopteron magnirostre, Garnet Pitta Erthythropitta granatina and Black-and-Yellow Broadbill Eurylaimus ochromalus are a few examples of those which have become locally extirpated. According to Chisholm et al. (2016), around 30% of bird species have gone extinct from Singapore in the past 200 years. This may most likely be attributed to the clearing of habitat for rubber plantations and urban redevelopment. Despite the lack of breeding records of these species in Singapore, there have still been sporadic records of visiting birds from across the causeway. While it may be difficult to truly ascertain the reasons for their arrival, these visiting birds could be a result of displacement due to habitat loss or natural dispersal events. 

Some more recent sightings of rare visitors on Singapore’s main island in recent years include the 5th record of Whiskered Treeswift Hemiprocne comata (2011) and the 1st record of Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus since the 1940s (2018) at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, as well as the 1st records of White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca (2020) and Malayan Black Magpie Platysmurus leucopterus (2021) at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

While these records come from further inland, areas along the northern coast of the main island undoubtedly have a higher geographical probability of encountering visiting species given their close proximity to Johor. Some examples include Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis (2020–2022) and Black-and-Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (2023–present), Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus at Woodlands Waterfront Park (2022), and Black-thighed Falconet Microhierax fringillarius (2023–present) and Little Green Pigeon Treron olax (2024) at Punggol Seventeenth Avenue.

The islands of Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong, being sandwiched between the northeastern coast of Singapore and Johor, offer large areas of secondary forest for visiting birds to land for shelter and to search for food. While Pulau Tekong is used for military training and off-limits to the public, Pulau Ubin is accessible via a 10 minute bumboat ride. Pulau Ubin has thus also had a history of occasionally yielding sightings of rare visitors such as the long-staying Black Hornbill Anthracoceros malayanus (2015–2023), Mountain Imperial Pigeon Ducula badia (2016–2017), and Green Broadbill Calyptomena viridis (2021). Cinnamon-headed Green Pigeon Treron fulvicollis have also been annual on Pulau Ubin since 2016. 

Due to their rarity, these visitors from Peninsula Malaysia are always a welcome surprise for local birdwatchers in Singapore. However there has not been a particular pattern to point to where and when they would appear, that is, until 2022.

Chek Jawa Wetlands

Chek Jawa Wetlands is located on the eastern side of Pulau Ubin. Originally designated as a site for land reclamation, lobbying by nature enthusiasts caused the government to defer plans for redevelopment of the area in 2001. While well-known for its mudflats which support shorebird migration and its mangrove habitat which houses mangrove specialists such as Copper-throated Sunbird Leptocoma calcostetha, Mangrove Pitta Pitta megarhyncha and Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda, Chek Jawa’s coastal forest has usually not been one of its main selling points. However, it should be noted that prior to the events detailed below, Cinereous Bulbul Hemixos cinereus had already been sighted at this location in various months throughout the year from 2014–2021, as well as Streaked Bulbul Ixos malaccensis in Nov/Dec in 2019 and 2021.

2022

The story starts on 2 Apr 2022, the tail end of the migration season. The sighting of Singapore’s 6th Red Knot Calidris canutus in the late afternoon at Chek Jawa Wetlands prompted a handful of birders scrambling to twitch for it, which they did successfully (AST). While technically not sighted at the coastal forest, this bird was the one which started the whole sequence of events. 

Those who attempted to look for it the next day were left disappointed as the bird had already departed, however their disappointment quickly turned to elation as they discovered the 2nd national record of Large Woodshrike Tephrodornis virgatus since the 1940s at the forest along the coastal boardwalk, which stayed until 8 Apr (CST). This was just the start of the Patagonia picnic table effect, as twitchers descending upon the wetlands in the following days ended up finding Singapore’s 10th Black-winged Flycatcher Shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus (4 Apr–18 Jul; LHG), the 6th record of Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis—a male (4 Apr–23 Apr; BTT), and the increasingly rare Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon—the first sighting in Singapore since 2019 (15 Apr–17 May; OT). Those who thought the picnic table was over could not have been more wrong, as Singapore’s 3rd Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus thoracicus, a female, was sighted perched high up on the tallest trees above the boardwalk (23 Apr–1 May; KG). This individual proved to be a huge challenge to find due to its small size, and fleeting and inconsistent appearances. Continued attempts to look for the flowerpecker were rewarded with a Cinereous Bulbul Hemixos cinereus (24 Apr–2 May; JWY), Singapore’s 2nd record of Black-and-White Bulbul Microtarsus melanoleucos— a male and a female (2–6 May; VN), and the 6th record of Black-and-Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos (5–7 May; VN), which was later noted to have been heard earlier on 22 Apr (AL). Another significant find was that of two Black-headed Bulbuls Microtarsus melanocephalos, which is a locally rare species otherwise only found in the Central Catchment or Bukit Timah Nature Reserves (2–9 May; MLK). Birders noted that some of the visiting species had been feeding on the fruiting trees found along the coastal boardwalk, and wondered if such an influx of visitors could happen again in the future.

2023

The first rare visitor sighted at Chek Jawa Wetlands for the year was none other than the Black-winged Flycatcher Shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus (14 Jan–11 Jun; MS). This could have been the same individual from the previous year. On 16 Apr, birders hoping to see the flycatcher shrike made a trip to Pulau Ubin, and were treated with an incredible sighting of Singapore’s 1st White-crowned Hornbill Berenicornis comatus (SBZ, JCH). In addition, Lesser Green Leafbird Chloropsis cyanopogon (22 Apr; CNL) and up to two Black-and-Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos were later seen as well, one of which was ringed and one which was not (17 Apr–2 Jul; SC, KW). Up to eight Cinereous Bulbul Hemixos cinereus were also seen from 19 Apr–1 May (EL). Another shocking discovery was that of Singapore’s 2nd Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni (2–5 May; GCT), with the first record only a year before at Upper Seletar Reservoir. On 9 May, while searching for the bulbul, BYT photographed a White-chested Babbler Pellorneum rostratum, which was the first record since 2005. Subsequent efforts to relocate the babbler were unsuccessful.

2024

Just like in the previous year, the Black-winged Flycatcher Shrike Hemipus hirundinaceus started off the picnic (17 Feb–1 May; RoN). With the hope of finding another new visitor at Chek Jawa, CNL’s efforts paid off as he found the locally extirpated Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus on 28 Apr—just the 2nd record since 2001, together with a Black-and-Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos (27 Apr–29 May). Those attempting to look for the minivet the next day were unsuccessful, but were instead treated to the 1st Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus since 1908, which is also the 4th record for Singapore (YZN). The bird was initially dismissed as a Common Flameback Dinopium javanense, but was later identified by RaN through a photo posted on eBird. Also sighted at Chek Jawa during this period were up to three Black-headed Bulbuls Microtarsus melanocephalos (15 Mar–14 May; CNL). Although not during the usual Mar–May period, five Cinereous Bulbuls Hemixos cinereus were spotted later in Nov (17–23 Nov; KSL).

2025

As April drew near, birders once again started to make trips to Chek Jawa. On 31 Mar, a female Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis was sighted, and subsequently up to two birds were seen until 21 April (KM). A Black-headed Bulbul Microtarsus melanocephalos was also sighted on 2 Apr (CNL), and a Cinereous Bulbul Hemixos cinereus on 6 Apr (CNL). As with previous years, the community was yet again left stunned with the discovery of Singapore’s 1st Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus percussus on 13 Apr—a female, which remained until 19 Jul (MF). Interestingly, the bird had a habit of flying loops around the coastal boardwalk and perching hidden in the thick foliage. Those in search of the flowerpecker were rewarded with Black-and-Red Broadbill Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos (14–19 Apr; FY, RoN) and the 3rd record of Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni (14 Apr–2 May; VN), which were possibly the same individuals from previous years.

2026

This year is the fifth anniversary of the “Chek Jawa picnic table”. A female Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker Prionochilus percussus, likely the same one from 2025, was found on 23 Feb (TW), and was last seen on 21 Apr. TW also found a Black-headed Bulbul Microtarsus melanocephalos, with up to four bulbuls subsequently observed carrying nesting material (23 Feb–24 Apr). Those searching for the flowerpecker ended up finding two female Ruby-cheeked Sunbirds Chalcoparia singalensis (4 Mar–14 Apr; CNL), with a male was seen on 23 Apr (EL). A Stripe-throated Bulbul Pycnonotus finlaysoni, also possibly the same one from previous years, was found among a flock of Yellow-vented Bulbuls Pycnonotus goiavier on 11 Apr, and only stayed until a day later (DL). Continuing the streak of at least one new “mega” each year, Singapore’s 2nd White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca was first heard on 12 Apr before finally being photographed on 14 Apr (CNL, WHL). It was last seen on 26 April and its extremely inconsistent appearances caused both excitement and much stress and disappointment to those searching for it.

Undoubtedly, the Mar–May period has proven Chek Jawa to be a magnet for rare visitor birds to Singapore. As the “Chek Jawa season” continues, we can only wonder what new surprises await us in the coming years (or days)!

 

Table 1. List of rarities recorded at Chek Jawa coastal forest since 2022.

Common Name	Scientific Name	Date
2022
Large Woodshrike	Tephrodornis virgatus	3–8 Apr
Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike	Hemipus hirundinaceus	4 Apr–18 Jul
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird	Chalcoparia singalensis	4–23 Apr
Lesser Green Leafbird	Chloropsis cyanopogon	15 Apr–17 May
Black-and-Red Broadbill	Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos	19 Apr–7 May
Scarlet-breasted Flowerpecker	Prionochilus thoracicus	23 Apr–1 May
Cinereous Bulbul	Hemixos cinereus	24 Apr–2 May
Black-and-White Bulbul	Microtarsus melanoleucos	2–6 May
Black-headed Bulbul	Microtarsus melanocephalos	2–9 May
2023
Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike	Hemipus hirundinaceus	14 Jan–11 Jun
White-crowned Hornbill	Berenicornis comatus	16 Apr–3 Sep
Lesser Green Leafbird	Chloropsis cyanopogon	22 Apr
Black-and-Red Broadbill	Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos	17 Apr–2 Jul
Cinereous Bulbul	Hemixos cinereus	19 Apr–1 May
Stripe-throated Bulbul	Pycnonotus finlaysoni	2–5 May
White-chested Babbler	Pellorneum rostratum	9 May
2024
Black-winged Flycatcher-Shrike	Hemipus hirundinaceus	17 Feb–1 May
Black-headed Bulbul	Microtarsus melanocephalos	15 Mar–14 May
Scarlet Minivet	Pericrocotus flammeus	27 Apr
Black-and-Red Broadbill	Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos	27 Apr–29 May
Greater Flameback	Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus	28 Apr
Cinereous Bulbul	Hemixos cinereus	17–23 Nov
2025
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird	Chalcoparia singalensis	31 Mar–21 Apr
Black-headed Bulbul	Microtarsus melanocephalos	2 Apr
Cinereous Bulbul	Hemixos cinereus	6 Apr
Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker	Prionochilus percussus	13 Apr–19 Jul
Black-and-Red Broadbill	Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos	14–19 Apr
Stripe-throated Bulbul	Pycnonotus finlaysoni	14 Apr–2 May
2026
Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker	Prionochilus percussus	23 Feb–21 Apr
Black-headed Bulbul	Microtarsus melanocephalos	23 Feb–24 Apr
Ruby-cheeked Sunbird	Chalcoparia singalensis	4 Mar–24 Apr
Stripe-throated Bulbul	Pycnonotus finlaysoni	11–12 Apr
White-bellied Erpornis	Erpornis zantholeuca	12 Apr–26 Apr

 

Contributors: Albert Low (AL), Adrian Silas Tay (AST), Tan Boon Tong (BTT), Tan Bing Yang (BYT), Tang Lee Chien Nien (CNL), Choon Siang (CST), Dylan CK Lee (DL), David So (DS), Evelyn Lee (EL), Francis Yap (FY), Tan Gim Cheong (GCT), Han Jinchi (JCH), Jared Tan (JT), Krishna Gopagondanahalli (KG), Keison Ma (KM), Lim Kim Seng (KSL), Koh Wild (KW), Gan Lee Hsia (LHG), Mohamed Fazlin (MF), Khoo Meilin (MLK), May Swales (MS), Oliver Tan (OT), Raghav Narayanswamy (RaN), Rogier Niessen (RoN), Zhang Shubo (SBZ), Sandra Chia (SC), Tony Wong (TW), Vincent Ng (VN), Vincent Yip (VY), Lua Wai Heng (WHL)