Crimson-rumped Waxbills in my garden

YC Wee
on 23rd October 2011

“Coming back home after lunch today at about 3.30pm on a sunny afternoon, I had a surprise waiting for me – a tightly-knit family of 7 Crimson-rumped Waxbills (Estrilda rhodopyga) were hopping around in my garden!

“Here’s my album of pics of them in 3 different locations, all shot within 5m – they are not shy birds at all LINK.

“I took two videos – easier to count them when they are moving, rather than to spot them amongst the leaves in stills. Above shows a family of seven – Mum & Dad are the ones with tails. Below shows Mum/Dad herding everyone back to base camp.

“So it looks like these exotics are really making themselves at home over here! Not sure whether it’s something to celebrate though.

“Previous BESG posts can be seen in LINK 1 and LINK 2.

Lena Chow
Singapore
2nd October 2011

Cheers,
Lena

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.

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4 responses

  1. Hi Lena,
    Thanks for posting the video’s and pictures there great.
    What is your view on their appearance in Singapore? Do you think they are escapees from someone keeping them in captivity over there, or, do you thik they have at sometime been introduced?

    Best wishes

    Glynn

    Reply

  2. Hi Glynn,
    I think the waxbills here are most likely escapees or part of Vesak Day releases. I don’t know of any reason why they might be introduced, but I’m happy to learn of any.
    Cheers,
    Lena

    Reply
  3. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Crimson-rumped Waxbills having a bath
  4. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Adult Crimson-rumped Waxbill feeding fledglings

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