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Emerald Dove – window kill

on 18th January 2011

“On the evening of 13th January 2011 (ca. 5:30pm), the lifeless body of an Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) was found on the ground at my residence at Telok Kurau (above). It was lying on the floor tiles, with a small pool of congealed blood that had emanated from its bill.

“It was identified to be a male specimen, based on its blue-grey crown and nape, white on forehead and eyebrow, whitish double band on upper rump, white patch on lesser coverts (below).

“When carefully examined, its body was still limp and had not undergone rigor mortis as yet. This indicated that the accident must have happened less than an hour ago.

“At the accident scene, its body was situated at the base of a series of closed windows (north-facing) which advertised clear reflections of the surrounding vegetation. The unfortunate bird would have been flying low in a southerly direction and accidentally crashed into the window, resulting in cervical dislocation and other internal injuries. The prevailing north-east monsoon winds might have even accelerated its flight velocity, hence increasing the force of impact against the window.

“The Emerald Dove will subsequently be deposited at the Zoological Reference Collection of the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research for further forensic investigations if necesary.”

Dr Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
14th January 2011

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.

Other posts by YC Wee

5 Responses

  1. After witnessing similar incident at my previous house, I set out to stop the repeat of such heart-breaking incident. I discovered that by making a few long strands of shiny objects like cd’s and hanging over the glass panels would discourage them from flying into the glass. Perhaps you are aware of this method, but I thought sharing the idea may be useful.

    1. the species is a “Resident” in the region, but ya, it is nomadic in nature and could travel very great distance within its home range, I think it was this species that is ringed at Fraser’s and recovered in Sumatra. Many doves are not migratory but travels very far distance in search of food.

  2. Hi Ming,

    Morten and I saw the same dead species 2 years ago outside Cathay cinema. I didn’t have my camera then so couldn’t take any record shot. Allen Jeyarajasingam book indicate it as “nomadic, flying over great distances”. Could have come from afar and hit the buidling.

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