Peregrine Falcon in Singapore’s heartland
Posted by BESG on 4 February 09, Wednesday
Contributed by Kwek Swee Meng & R Subaraj
Kwek Swee Meng sent an image of a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) perching at a window ledge of a Housing Development Board’s apartment in Singapore.
This falcon has an almost worldwide distribution, breeding in west Siberia to Kamchatka and migrating south to the Malay Peninsula, down to Singapore and Sumatra.
Our bird specialist, R Subaraj noted that “this is an adult Peregrine Falcon of the migratory race japonensis, which is the most regularly seen subspecies in Singapore. It usually occurs between October-April and can be encountered anywhere in Singapore, including the city where they have been observed hunting Rock Pigeons.
“A second subspecies, ernesti, accounts for a few records each year. It is a resident in Peninsula Malaysia but is considered a visitor to Singapore. They are usually encountered during the “winter” months but could occur anytime of the year.”
This falcon continues to impress urban Singaporeans with its presence, many of whom do not expect to see such a large raptor right in their backyard.
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Categories: Raptors
Comment by Hai~Ren
Made Wednesday, 4 of February , 2009 at 6:40 pm
Great sighting. I wonder if it’s possible that someday, individuals of the ernesti subspecies will take up permanent residence in our urban areas, and prey on the pigeons like their counterparts in so many other cities.
Comment by YC
Made Wednesday, 4 of February , 2009 at 7:30 pm
I am sure it is possible. We will then have more exciting subjects to photograph.
