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MEET OUR NATIVE WILDLIFE: 5 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THE WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN

These familiar Singapore natives can be found in coastal areas, swampy vegetation, marshes, canals, mangroves, grasslands, parks and gardens.

1) Females are generally smaller than males. Females weigh between 160- 130g; males weigh 200- 330g. The beaks of females are less bright than those of the males.

2) The chicks are black.

Chicks have black feathers, and are also fluffy and long-legged! As development continues, patches of white will appear on their undersides. It takes them about six months to develop their full adult plumage. There is shared parental care.

3) They are great vocalisers.

The white- breasted waterhen can vocalise continuously for more than 15minutes during the breeding season. Their vocalisations range from grunts and quacks to chuckles. The best time to hear them in the morning and in the evening. The next time you visit your nearest park, listen out for them!

4) They are not fussy with food! They eat worms, insects, aquatic snails, molluscs, spiders, small fish, water plants, grass, seeds, roots and many other items. They can be observed foraging on the ground.

5) They are native to 29 different countries!

These are Bangladesh; Bhutan; British Indian Ocean Territory; Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; China; Christmas Island; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Japan; Korea, Republic of; Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Macao; Malaysia; Maldives; Myanmar; Nepal; Oman; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Taiwan, Province of China; Thailand; Timor-Leste; United Arab Emirates; Viet Nam.

#SingaporeWildlife

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..

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ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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