In a stunning display of nature's resilience, Singapore's only known breeding pair of peregrine falcons has successfully raised a second batch of chicks, with one making its first recorded test flight from the iconic OCBC Chulia Street nest.
First Flight Captured on Live Stream
- Time & Date: March 4, approximately 8:19 am
- Location: 34th floor of OCBC's Chulia Street headquarters
- Source: National Parks Board (NParks) 24-hour YouTube livestream
- Event: Chicks flapping wings and taking to the air before flying off-camera
The moment was captured on the National Parks Board's (NParks) 24-hour YouTube livestream of the nest on April 3. The falcons' nest is located above the 34th floor of OCBC's Chulia Street headquarters, with the stream first launched by the National Parks Board (NParks) on March 5.
Development Timeline & Expert Insights
Dr Malcolm Soh, principal researcher at the NParks wildlife management research branch, provided critical context on the fledglings' development: - afhow
- 6:58 am: Four chicks seen flapping wings and hopping across the nesting area
- 7:07 am: First chick manages a short flight across the nesting area
- 8:19 am: One chick performs a test flight, flying off-camera
"The chicks will remain with their parents until they are able to fly and hunt by themselves," Dr Soh explained. "Once independent, they will disperse from their parents' breeding territory to establish their own territory."
Dr Soh added that the chicks will not return to the current nest, and will likely disperse to farther territories, possibly beyond Singapore.
"If an opportunity arises, we will attach tail-mounted Bluetooth tags to the fledglings. These will provide tracking data until the battery runs out or when their old tail feathers drop during moulting," he said.
Public Engagement & Species Significance
The public response to NParks' livestream has been "largely positive," with the livestream receiving an average of significant engagement. "We are encouraged by the positive response by the community to the peregrine falcon livestream, and will review the feasibility and opportunities for future livestreams," said Dr Soh.
The falcons belong to the Falco peregrinus ernesti subspecies native to Singapore, and are considered Singapore's rarest breeding birds. They are distinguished from migratory peregrine falcons by their solid black heads.
