Waterhen chicks rescued by Gardens by the Bay staff after falling into drain, reunited with mother

A few chicks of a white-breasted waterhen were rescued at Gardens by the Bay after they accidentally fell into a drain.

According to a Facebook post by Gardens by the Bay, the birds had been crossing the pavement when the incident happened.

The mother waterhen was seen hovering anxiously around the area, "almost as if" she was guiding Gardens by the Bay staff to where her chicks were.

Staff were subsequently able to rescue the chicks from the drain and reunite them with their mother.

Gardens by the Bay added:

"Moments like these remind us of the importance of coexisting with wildlife and the dedication of our staff in caring for the biodiversity that calls Gardens by the Bay home.

Let’s continue to protect and appreciate the wildlife that enriches our urban landscape!"

What are white-breasted waterhens?

According to Birds of Singapore, white-breasted waterhens have a white face and underparts, and dark grey upper parts.

They have a chestnut undertail-coverts and a distinct yellow-green bill with a red base.

Coverts are a type of feather which covers a base of a main feather of the bird.

Juvenile waterhens have browner upperparts, dark spots on ear-coverts and less white over their eyes.

According to NParks, the birds forage in the open, and live in mangroves, parks, gardens, and ponds.

It is a common resident bird.

Top photos via Garden by the Bay/Facebook