S'pore peregrine falcon chicks get tags & photoshoot, complain loudly about it

The four peregrine falcon chicks that hatched in Singapore last month got tags and a photoshoot this morning (Mar. 14).

They were, understandably, none too pleased about leaving their comfy nests though.

Mothership went down to OCBC Centre to watch the process, carried out by researchers and staff at the National Parks Board (NParks).

Leaving the nest (for a while)

The chicks and their parents live in a little recess at the side of the OCBC Centre building, above the 34th floor.

To get to the nest, an NParks researcher, Gabriel Low, boarded a cherry picker and headed up.

Both parents were in the nest, but the dad flew off as the researcher approached.

The mama bird stayed to watch the researcher take the chicks. She didn't seem too bothered by the field trip.

Photoshoot and more

The birds were then brought inside OCBC Centre to be tagged, tested, and have their photos taken.

NParks researchers measured their weight, their wingspan, and collected blood and fecal samples.

They also placed ring tags on the birds, for future tracking and identification purposes.

The whole time, the birds could be heard squawking loudly, apparently unhappy about their impromptu health check-up.

Quite relatable.

Return home

The birds were finally taken home.

The 24/7 livestream of the nest showed the chicks snoozing after returning from their field trip.

While the chicks were having their “health check up”, the study's principal researcher, Malcolm Soh, collected some environmental DNA (eDNA) by swabbing the nest.

He also collected data on environmental data, like temperature and humidity around the nest.

The data will later be processed to help NParks learn more about the birds, such as the food they eat and why they chose to nest at OCBC Centre.

Peregrine falcons in Singapore

The four peregrine falcon chicks (also known as eyasses) hatched on Feb. 20 and Feb. 22.

They are the second brood of Singapore's only known pair of breeding peregrine falcons.

The pair moved into OCBC Centre in April 2024 and made a nest.

While they did lay eggs, they were eventually abandoned, likely due to shell damage.

A research team then installed a nesting tray with loose gravel in an attempt to improve nesting success.

In April 2025, the falcons successfully hatched two chicks — Singapore's first-ever record of peregrine falcon chicks.

Both chicks, who are believed to be males, subsequently fledged.

For the second brood, NParks launched a 24-hour livestream of the falcons and their chicks, where they've since been delighting members of the public with their antics.

It is yet unclear if they are male or female.

These peregrine falcons are part of the Falco peregrinus ernesti subspecies, and are native to Singapore.

They are considered Singapore’s rarest breeding birds.

@mothershipsg sorry 🦅 for 💩 looking 👁️ into 🫟 your ⚪️ nest 🪹 These peregrine falcons have been nesting at OCBC Centre since 2024. NParks later installed two gravel-filled nesting trays on the building’s ledge, with support from OCBC, to encourage breeding. #mothershipnews #mothershipenvironment #singapore #animals #fyp ♬ original sound - Mothership

Top image by Mothership