“I was walking the Southern Ridges yesterday when I saw around a dozen White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolopus) fighting in two gangs. It was near Canopy Walk at Alexandra. They were not afraid of me and walked (hopped) right up, so I got a few close-up shots.”
“Exactly a year ago I saw these birds singing loudly at the Ulu Pandan Park Connector. I’ve been back to the same place several times, and never saw them again there. That white mohawk and loud voice are quite distinctive, It’s a beautiful bird and I’m delighted to have seen it again, and so many of them! Is it common?
“Looking at the order of my photos, I think the location I saw them was at Telok Blangah Hill Park. I did the Southern Ridges Walk for over two hours from Kent Ridge to Mount Faber yesterday.
“I was walking up a slope in a forested area, and there was a group of about six birds on the right side of my path, and another gang of similar number on the left side. The group on the right were agitated, and aggressive, attacking the other group and calling loudly. Even when I walked up slowly, they hopped away at first, but then hopped back soon, and continued to harass the group on the left.”
Mrs Koh
Singapore
24th June 2012
Note: The White-crested Laughingthrush is not indigenous to Singapore. It was most probably introduced from Thailand as a cage bird and somehow escaped and form a viable population. It has become well established throughout the island since 1995. Its population has now increased and it can be commonly encountered in many locations.
Ong Ei Leen
I believe many park users had seen this whole gang foraging at the same location, too. My last encounter with them was a year back, cos, many a time, I only get to hear them in the thick undergrowth.
T Maki
This type of behavior is common I believe. Here in Thailand it is common to see a group of 8-12 birds living together and fending off rival groups. They are so noisy that when that happens, it is hard to ignore!