Scientific Name: Plegadis falcinellus
Malay Name: Sekendi Kilat Biasa
Chinese Name: 彩鹮
Range:
Found throughout most of Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Central and North America. Populations from Asia and Australia may disperse widely outside the breeding season.
Taxonomy:
Monotypic.
Size: 55-65 cm
Identification:
Non-breeding adult has mostly uniform dark brownish plumage, white streaks on head and neck, green gloss on scapulars and upperwing-coverts and long down-curved bill. Adult in breeding plumage has glossed green forecrown and deep chestnut head, neck and body with no streaks. Juvenile resembles non-breeding adult but duller.
Habitat: Mudflats and marshy wetlands.
Behaviour/Ecology: Forages mostly by wading in shallow water, probing in soft mud for food.
Local Status: Very rare vagrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2019)
Location: Previous sightings were at Lorong Halus (June 1984), Sungei Buloh (May 1989 and Nov 2007) and Sime Road (Oct 1992).
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
References:
BirdLife International. (2019). Plegadis falcinellus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019. Downloaded on 2 September 2021
Lim, K. S., Chia, A., Yong, D. L., & Chew, J. (2009). The Avifauna of Singapore. Nature Society (Singapore).
Robson, C. (2008). A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers.