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| vertebrates text index | photo index |
| Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrata > Class Aves |
| Shorebirds
and sea birds updated Oct 09 Where seen? These rather drab but very interesting birds can be seen on and flying over our mudflats and sandflats especially during the migratory season of September to March. These are shorebirds visiting from afar. They are sometimes also called waders as they are often seen wading in water. |
 A group of whimbrels on the shore. Chek Jawa, Jan 07 |
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Seabirds are those that hunt mainly fish on open waters or coastal
areas, rather than feeding on the mudflats like shorebirds. Some seabirds
are also migratory. Why do shorebirds migrate? Many shorebirds breed in the northern regions, some as far as the sub-Arctic. Summer in such places is short but hot, with the sun overhead almost 24 hours a day. During this season, plants and insects are plentiful. Shorebirds are among those that take advantage of this seasonal abundance to breed. Winter in such places, however, is sharsh. Thus shorebirds migrate southwards in autumn. In spring, most journey back north to their breeding grounds. On their long journeys, shorebirds depend on wetlands and intertidal flats such as Chek Jawa. Here they rest and refuel on 'fast food': high-energy food that can be harvested quickly. A chain of such wetland stopovers forms a flyway. Singapore is part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Often, migratory birds must fly non-stop between such stopovers as there are no suitable habitats for them in between. The destruction of such 'stepping stones' can affect the continued existence of these marvellous birds. |
 Route a migrating shorebird might take on the East Asian- Australasian Flyway |
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 Seabirds resting on the sand bars in the horizon, with shorebirds closer to the front. Chek Jawa, Jan 07 |
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 Pacific golden plovers. Chek Jawa, Jan 07 |
 Sandpiper. Kranji Nature Trail, Dec 09 |
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 Reef egret Tanah Merah, Dec 09 |
 Grey heron. Kranji Nature Trail, Dec 09 |
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 Pacific golden plovers. Tanah Merah, Dec 09 |
 Striated heron. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Feb 10 |
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 Great-billed heron Chek Jawa, Jan 10 |
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