Crimson-rumped Waxbills having a bath

YC Wee
on 17th August 2013

“Since my encounter with a whole family of these escapees [Crimson-rumped Waxbill (Estrilda rhodopyga)] in my own garden about 2 years ago LINK, I have not seen this exotic species again in my neighbourhood.

“From postings time and again on the net, I believe they have adopted Halus Wetlands as their second home now, and are regularly spotted there. I decided to go exotics-spotting this weekend at Halus, and aside from a Golden-backed (or Jackson’s) Weaver that appeared for a while but kept its distance, half a dozen of these waxbills appeared on cue and 3 of them had a nice bath in a puddle right in front of me.”

Lena Chow
Singapore
1st July 2013

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

Thailand Hornbills

17th January 2025

From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group Part 2: Photographing Birds

5th January 2025

From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group. Part 1: Looking at Birds.

12th December 2024

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14th September 2024

From watching birdwatchers to watching birds

20th July 2024

3 responses

  1. Dear Lena,

    Great pictures. These waxbills are very prolific in aviculture, so it does not come as a surprise that you are seeing a fair number of escapees.

    Reply

  2. Yes, and if 5 chicks (like the family in my garden) are an average brood size, then in no time they will be as common as Scaly-breasted Munias here. Not sure that’s a good thing though.

    Reply
  3. Pingback: Bird Ecology Study Group Proliferation of Crimson-rumped Waxbill

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