Singapore may be famed for its dazzling skyline and vibrant city life, but it also stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s best bird watching destinations. Within its compact urban landscape are lush forests, extensive wetlands, and lively parks, all vital habitats for over 400 bird species recorded in the country. From migratory birds passing through to native species that call the island home, Singapore provides birders of every experience level with countless opportunities to discover new species. This guide to bird watching Singapore is designed to help you explore the best bird watching spots Singapore has to offer and to introduce you to the remarkable birds of Singapore—whether you’re just starting out or already a passionate birder.
Why Bird Watching Singapore is a Paradise for Birders
Few cities in the world can match Singapore’s diversity of bird species and habitats. Strategically located on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, Singapore welcomes significant numbers of migratory birds as they travel between Peninsular Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. Here, you’ll experience a variety of habitats, including mangroves, rainforests, marshes, and urban parks—sometimes all within the same habitat patch.
The city’s year-round tropical climate supports many species of resident birds, while migratory and rare birds make seasonal appearances. Thanks to strong conservation efforts and accessible nature reserves—such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and Central Catchment Nature Reserve—birders can observe a wide array of species in well-maintained parks. Even in the heart of the city, urban parks and reservoirs host birds adapted to city life. Few other places in Asia are as well set up for bird watching, making Singapore a hotspot for birders world-wide.
Universal StudioEssential Birdwatching Gear for Singapore Bird Speciess Tickets & Express Pass (Money-Saving Tips + Hacks)
Bird watching in Singapore’s humid, sometimes rainy climate calls for weather-resistant gear. Here’s what to bring for a comfortable and rewarding experience:
- Binoculars: Go for waterproof, fog-proof models (8x or 10x magnification) able to withstand tropical conditions, especially for use at reserves like Sungei Buloh or along the Kranji Nature Trail.
- Field Guide: A good field guide for Southeast Asia and Singapore will help with bird identification, especially for migratory birds and less common bird species.
- Photography Equipment: To capture birds like the Asian fairy bluebird or the Oriental pied hornbill, use a camera with a telephoto lens (300mm+). For bird photography Singapore in low light, bring a sturdy yet lightweight tripod.
- Clothing: Breathable, neutral colors, rapid-drying fabrics and waterproof footwear are essential for marshes and forest trails.
- Apps: Mobile apps such as Merlin Bird ID and eBird make it easy to identify and record birds, including tricky species like the broad billed sandpiper or masked finfoot.
Top Bird Watching Spots in Singapore
Birding Singapore is a joy with its mosaic of accessible habitats and sites, each offering unique birds of Singapore experiences. Here are some can’t-miss locations:
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: Migratory Bird Haven
A top bird watching Singapore destination, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is famed for its migratory birds. During migratory season (September to March), species like the broad billed sandpiper, curlew sandpiper, ringed plover, common redshank, eastern curlew, black winged stilt, and even rarities like the black headed gull can be observed. Raised boardwalks, hides, and the Migratory Bird Trail provide close-up views without disturbing bird populations. Its tidal mudflats and mangroves support waders and waterbirds in significant numbers.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: Forest Bird Species
Rainforest birding is best at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Listen for the unmistakable calls of the greater racket tailed drongo and watch for hornbills and woodpeckers—including the banded woodpecker and the rare rufous woodpecker—on tree trunks. The summit trail and surrounding forest paths are productive for spotting forest specialists such as the Asian fairy bluebird and the red crowned barbet.
Gardens by the Bay: Urban Parks Meet Bird Diversity
Bird watching Singapore’s city center? Gardens by the Bay is ideal. Kingfisher Wetlands and the surrounding marshes draw many species—kingfishers, herons, and sunbirds among them. Keep an eye out for species like the stork billed kingfisher, yellow bittern, cinnamon bittern, and the attractive pink-necked green pigeon. These urban parks let you experience city birding with the Singapore skyline as your backdrop.
Central Catchment Nature Reserve: Diverse Habitats
Singapore’s largest nature reserve, including the renowned MacRitchie Reservoir, is excellent for birders seeking forest, water, and edge species. TreeTop Walk provides vantage points for seeing the white bellied sea eagle, oriental pied hornbill, common flameback, and other raptors. The central catchment area is also home to birds like the tufted duck and Asian emerald cuckoo.
Kranji Marshes: Marsh and Wetland Specialties
Adjacent to Kranji Reservoir, this wetland site is a magnet for marsh birds. Observation facilities like the Raptor Tower give panoramic views to observe species such as the purple heron, black winged stilt, yellow bittern, and raptors hunting at dusk. Make time to explore the kranji nature trail and nearby Lim Chu Kang Lane for glimpses of waterbirds and migratory species.
Pasir Ris Park: Mangroves and Parks
Pasir Ris Park’s mangrove boardwalk and birdwatching tower offer a different environment, where you can spot shorebirds, collared kingfisher, laced woodpecker, and the ever-present Javan myna. The park’s accessible location and educational displays make it popular with both dedicated birders and curious families.
Pulau Ubin: Remote and Rewarding
Venture to Pulau Ubin for one of Singapore’s most rewarding bird watching experiences. Chek Jawa Wetlands is a stopover for migratory birds and site for observing kingfishers, herons, and rarities like the masked finfoot. Habitats here remain close to their natural state, providing excellent chances to observe birds rarely seen on the mainland.
Singapore Botanic Gardens: Urban Birdwatching
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers easy urban birding. Early mornings yield many species—look for the crimson sunbird, yellow vented bulbul, and Asian fairy bluebird among the lush greenery. The National Orchid Garden also hosts local birds and butterflies amid colorful blooms.
Coney Island Park: Untamed Birdwatching
Less crowded than other sites, Coney Island’s mosaics of forest, grasslands, and beaches allow you to observe various species with minimal interruptions—especially good for photographers focusing on waders and forest birds.
Bird Species in Singapore: Notable Birds to Spot
The birds of Singapore include a fascinating array of residents, migrants, and rare visitors:
Resident Birds of Singapore
- Collared Kingfisher: Found by water in urban parks and mangroves.
- White-bellied Sea Eagle: Seen soaring above the Singapore Strait, Kranji Reservoir, and along the southern coast.
- Oriental Pied Hornbill: Restored populations now thrive even in urban parks.
- Banded Woodpecker & Common Flameback: Listen for drumming in forested nature reserves.
Migratory Birds and Vagrants
- Broad Billed Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, and Eastern Curlew: Spotted during migration at Sungei Buloh, Kranji Dam, and Marina East.
- Black Headed Gull, Swinhoe’s Storm Petrel, White-throated Needletail, and Tufted Duck: Rare visitors mainly observed on the coast or over water bodies.
- Asian Emerald Cuckoo: Occasionally recorded during migration—watch for shimmering green in the forest canopy.
Urban, Wetland, and Forest Specialists
- Javan Myna, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Pink-necked Green Pigeon: Thriving in parks, gardens, and city spaces.
- Yellow Bittern, Cinnamon Bittern, Purple Heron, Common Moorhen: Favouring wetlands and marshes.
- Red-crowned Barbet, Greater Racket Tailed Drongo, Asian Fairy Bluebird: Forest-dwellers, often identified by distinctive calls and short tails.
- Rare and Threatened Species: Keep an eye out for the straw-headed bulbul and great slaty woodpecker—both globally threatened due to habitat loss.
Birdwatching in Singapore: A Seasonal Guide
- September–November: Migratory shorebirds, including broad billed sandpiper and common redshank, arrive. Marina East Drive and Sungei Buloh are hotspots.
- December–February: Peak for winter migrants; significant numbers of rare species and ducks (like tufted duck) visit. Visit Kranji Dam and Lim Chu Kang Lane.
- March–May: Spring migration brings departures, and resident species begin their breeding season—look for courtship in forest sites such as Bukit Timah and the central catchment.
- June–August: A quieter time—focus on resident birds and catch end-of-breeding displays in reserves and parks.
Tips for Bird Watching Singapore’s Climate
- Time of Day: Birds are most active at dawn and dusk.
- Staying Cool: The heat and humidity can be draining—dress light, bring water, and plan midday rests in shaded sites.
- Monsoons & Insects: Bring rain gear from December to January, and protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in marshes and forests.
- Sun & Hydration: Wear a hat, sunscreen, and pack extra water.
Guided Birdwatching and Community Resources
To learn more about the birds of Singapore, get involved with local groups:
- Nature Society Singapore Bird Group: Offers guided walks, surveys, and citizen science projects.
- Nparks Birdwatching Walks: Free, guided sessions at nature reserves and parks.
- Private Guides: For tailored bird photography Singapore experiences.
- Online Groups: Share sightings and get tips via groups like “Bird Sightings” and forums moderated by ornithologists such as Yong Ding Li.
Conservation and Birdwatching Ethics
Help protect Singapore’s unique bird populations by following ethical guidelines:
- Keep a respectful distance—do not disturb birds for photographs.
- Avoid playback of bird calls and stay on marked trails.
- Report rare birds to local groups to aid conservation monitoring.
- Support habitat conservation to fight threats like habitat loss.
- Learn more about rare populations and support protection efforts for threatened species.
Conclusion
Singapore is an outstanding destination for bird watching, offering rich bird diversity, well-protected habitats, and sites that cater to beginners and advanced birders alike. From bustling parks to quiet marshes and forest reserves, every outing holds the promise of exceptional bird encounters. Pack your binoculars, respect the habitats, and explore all the ways you can observe the remarkable birds and migratory species making Singapore a true avian paradise in Asia.
If you love photographing the remarkable birds of Singapore, you’ll also enjoy the 15 Best Photography Spots in Singapore: Ultimate Guide (2025) to elevate your shooting locations. For a break from the wilderness, discover family-friendly thrills in the Universal Studios Singapore: Complete Guide to Rides & Tips (2025).