On 3rd February 2011 Francis Yap encountered another exotic canary. This time, it was the Crimson-rumped Waxbill (Estrilda rhodopyga). The location? Again in Singapore’s Punggol grassland, around Lorong Halus.
The lone bird was eating grass seeds but flew to a tree where Francis managed to photograph it.
Haniman Boniran helped in the identification, adding: “Recently imported into Singapore. I’m guessing about 200 birds (estimation only). Its status in Africa is least concern (LC). It originates from East Africa. This bird is a common aviary species but not so much here in Singapore. Lorong Halus has a perfect habitat for them.”
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Although a feral, it’s nice to see the video of what is a happy little bird free in the wild.
On 25 February, I visited Kusu Island to observe birds. I was there between 1100 and 1330. The only unusual sighting was a flock of at least 6 Crimson-rumped Waxbills. The location was where the main track from St Johns Island turns left towards the administration building on Kusu Island. The waxbills were in a mixed flock which included 31 Scaley-breasted Munia. The waxbills were feeding on the path but mainly on grass stems. They appeared to be using the tall cane grass for cover and as a roosting site during the heat of the day. I had good clear sightings in good light with binoculars as well as taking several photos showing diagnostic features: red rump, red under tail coverts, patches of red on the wing coverts, red eye stripe, grey legs, dark grey/black bill, background Colour fawn, darker above than below, pale cheeks below the eye stripes. there was no barring.
We have a Common Waxbill frequently visiting our back garden (Bukit Timah) where it mingles with sparrows and doves and feeds on the seeds that our caged Agapornis is spilling on the floor. It appears to be in good shape and condition and is being accepted by the other, bigger birds (even the sparrows are much bigger than him). Beautiful little bird….
Yes, they are a beauty.