Rare peregrine falcon spotted feasting on rock pigeon in S'pore

Breakfast settled.

Natalie Ong

November 22, 2024, 02:37 PM

When Silas Lim awoke on Nov. 19 at around 8:30 am, he looked out his window and saw a fellow companion enjoying its hearty morning feast.

The winged companion, a peregrine falcon, peered back at him before resuming its breakfast — what appears to be a rock pigeon.

In a Facebook post to the Singapore Wildlife Sightings group, Lim wowed netizens with the rare encounter.

Devoured pigeon

Speaking to Mothership, Lim shared that it was the first time he had seen a peregrine falcon in the vicinity.

Lim said that the predator "did not want to give up its feast" and "sensed no danger around".

It was the first time Lim saw this species.

About peregrine falcons

According to the Bird Society of Singapore, peregrine falcons are an uncommon migrant and a rare visitor to Singapore's shores.

The bulk of the falcons are annual winter migrants belonging to the calidus subspecies, and travel from as far as Siberia to spend the winter in the tropics, stated Bird Society.

There are two falcons of a different subspecies who have chosen to make Singapore — in particular, the prime location of the Central Business District — their permanent home.

Singapore's urban environment is in fact a food haven for the falcons given its large population of pigeons, rats, and other urban creatures to prey on.

According to Bird Society, peregrine falcons, which are one of the most widespread bird species globally, like to nest on urban buildings due to its similarities with natural cliff-side habitats.

The ledges of tall buildings also provide the falcons a safe place to eat away from other predators and prey, making it their dining area of choice.