CONTENTS
Flora index
Fauna index
guide to the mangroves of singapore
Vertebrates: Birds
Peter K L Ng and N Sivasothi (editors)
  Waders

Wading birds like plovers and sandpipers are present in large numbers on mudflats adjacent to mangroves during the winter months towards the end and the beginning of the year. They breed in the subarctic regions and migrate south each summer to escape the harsh winter. The mudflats offer a rich feeding ground for these travellers, providing worms and shellfish for the many species that come to stay or stop over to feed before continuing on their journey further south.

Some 46 species of wading birds (12 plovers and 34 sandpipers) are known to visit Singapore on their annual migration. Many species are so similar in appearance to one another in their summer plumage that they can be difficult to tell apart.
pacific golden plover in the water Pacific golden plover
Pluvialis fulva
Family Charadriidae

Size:25 cm
The Pacific golden plover is one of the commonest waders. Plovers are distinguished from the sandpipers in having a relatively shorter bill.
common redshanks in the water Common redshank
Tringa totanus
Family Scolopacidae

Size:28 cm
With their longer beaks, sandpipers probe deeper into the mud for food. The gregarious Common redshank is easily recognised by its red legs.
common sandpiper on mudflat Common sandpiper
Tringa hypoleucos
Family Scolopacidae

Size:20 cm
The Common sandpiper has shorter legs and bobs its body while it walks. Unlike most other waders, this species tends to be solitary.
whimbrel on mudflat Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus
Family Scolopacidae

Size:44 cm
The Whimbrel is a large and stocky wader that has a distinct down-curved bill.

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What is mangrove?
Introduction

The Ecosystem
Abiotic
Biotic

Value
Intro
Products
Indirect uses
Potential uses

About Mangroves
in Singapore
History
Mangroves to visit
Conservation
 
From "A Guide to Mangroves of Singapore", Peter K. L. Ng and N. Sivasothi (editors)
Volume 1: The Ecosystem and Plant Diversity and Volume 2: Animal Diversity
Authors: Kelvin K. P. Lim, Dennis H. Murphy, T. Morgany, N. Sivasothi, Peter K. L. Ng,
B. C. Soong, Hugh T. W. Tan, K. S. Tan & T. K. Tan
BP Guide to Nature Series published by the Singapore Science Centre, sponsored by British Petroleum
© 2001 Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, The National University of Singapore & The Singapore Science Centre