Rare sightings of non-native bird in Seletar thrill enthusiasts

On the morning of Jan 3, Mr Andy Chew set off for the Hampstead Wetlands Park in Seletar, in search of the violet turaco.

- Angelica Ang

Though the bird is native to the tropical forests of West Africa, recent sightings of one such bird had been reported in a chat group, prompting his trip there, said Mr Chew.

This was the 51-year-old nature photographer's third attempt to spot the bird.

Its deep violet plumage and colourful facial pattern – a yellow and orange-coloured beak and a white streak behind its eyes – have long captivated birdwatchers.

"When I arrived at the location, I was all alone. I was not optimistic at all in finding this bird as the area it flies around is big," said Mr Chew in a Jan 3 post on the Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook group.

He decided to try his luck outside the nearby Seletar Camp, with other bird watchers reporting previous sightings in the area. Once there, he heard the bird's distinctive call and tried to locate it.