Common Bird Species in Singapore

Pigeons and other nuisance birds are capable of transmitting a wide range of diseases and can be a source of secondary infestation by pests such as lice, mites and flies. Learn more below about common types of pest birds found across the country.

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Pigeons

(Columba livia)

Also known as common pigeons, they are derived from domesticated pigeons that return to the wild. They thrive in an urban environment and only require the smallest amount of shelter on buildings.

Appearance

12 1/2" long.
Blue–grey in colour (although other colours are common).

Lifecycle

2–3 broods per year, with 2 eggs in each clutch.
17–19 day incubation period.
Young birds spend 35–37 days in the nest.

Habits

Feeds on seeds, green feed, domestic scraps in and around cities, near roosting sites.
Nests on ledges.

Get rid of birds

House Sparrow

(Passer domesticus)

The House sparrow is a significant pest to the food industry because of the risk of contamination from their droppings and the damage done to packaged goods.

Appearance

Less than 6" long.
Males can be identified by the grey crown on their heads, and black throat ‘bib’.
Females and young are mostly plain brown.

Lifecycle

Sparrows live for four to seven years, with up to five breeding seasons.
The breeding season runs through Spring and Summer, and up to three broods of 4–6 eggs may be laid in this time.

Habits

The same nest will tend to be used every year, resulting in a build up of nest debris, and insects associated with their nests.
It is a pest to the food industry in particular because of the risk of contamination from their droppings and the damage done to packaged goods.

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Starlings

(Sturnus spp.)

When Starlings are in its flocking phase, thousands of birds are often seem overwhelming buildings and trees.

Appearance

They are 7 1/2"–9" long, and can be recognised by their pointed wings and short tail when flying. At first sight they appear to be plain black, but the feathers catch the light and may appear iridescent green or purple.

Lifecycle

Starlings can rear up to two broods a year. Each clutch usually consists of 4–6 eggs, the young staying in the nest for about 3 weeks.
The breeding period can extend if conditions are favourable.

Habits

The concentration of droppings from a large roosting flock provides a good medium for pathogenic fungi, some of which can be harmful or even fatal to humans.
It is an agricultural pest of standing crops, but will also flock into cities in large numbers.

Get rid of birds

House Crow

(Corvus splendens)

The Crow is one of the most common pest birds in Singapore. These birds can overwhelm trees, creating a lot of noise and harassing people and animals in the vicinity which can be a nuisance to the suburban resident.

Appearance

They are 40–43 cm in length with wingspan of 80 cm.
Black colour.

Lifecycle

Crow lays 3–5 eggs in a typical stick nest and occasionally there are several nests in the same tree.
Large trees with big crowns are their preferred nesting spots.