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The recent deaths of two peregrine falcon chicks in Singapore have highlighted a lethal trend for the city-state’s avian population. According to the National Parks Board (NParks), the first fledgling suffered injuries to its head and beak from striking a hard surface, while the second died from internal bleeding consistent with a building collision.
These losses, involving chicks previously featured in an NParks live stream, serve as a window into a broader crisis. Data from the Dead Bird Hotline suggests that collisions with man-made structures, including buildings and bus stops, are now the leading cause of bird mortality in the region.
A Rising Tide of Avian Mortality
The caseload of bird injuries and deaths reported to the NUS Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum has surged, reaching a record of approximately 650 cases in 2025. Dr. Tan Yen Yi, the museum’s assistant senior curator of birds, noted that the first quarter of the current year is already trending higher than in 2025.
This spike may be partially attributed to increased public awareness of reporting channels. Mortality typically peaks during the autumn and spring as migratory birds travel the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a route spanning from the Arctic to New Zealand.
Did You Know? Since 2020, the pink-necked green pigeon has been the most common native bird found dead, accounting for nearly 10 per cent of reported deaths.
The Architecture of Hazard
Mr. How Choon Beng, NParks’ group director of wildlife management, explained that the prevalence of glass in modern architecture is a primary driver of these deaths. Glass facades often reflect the sky and greenery, creating an illusion of an open environment that leads birds to fly directly into the structures.
At night, the problem is compounded by bright city lights and light spill from buildings, which can disorient migratory birds that rely on starlight for navigation. A study conducted between 2013 and 2020 found that buildings situated on the edges of forests experience the highest rates of collision.
In response, NParks has implemented bird-safe measures, such as decals and stickers to make glass more visible. These interventions have been applied at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and HortPark.
Expert Insight: The conflict between modern aesthetic preferences—specifically the use of reflective glass—and ecological safety creates a systemic risk. While localized decals provide a stopgap, the broader challenge lies in shifting architectural standards toward bird-friendly design to prevent urban centers from becoming ecological traps.
Regional Threats and Environmental Health
Beyond urban collisions, Dr. Yong Ding Li of BirdLife International warns that the loss of natural habitats due to development is a critical threat to migratory shorebirds. He noted that wetlands in Southeast Asia are particularly vulnerable because they are often located in areas easily targeted for construction.
The health of these birds is closely linked to human well-being. Dr. Yong stated that birds act as indicators of environmental health, as they ingest microplastics and other pollutants from the water.
To combat this, BirdLife International and the Asian Development Bank have proposed the conservation of 147 wetlands along the flyway, with projects already launched at five of these sites.
Turning Tragedy into Data
Despite the grim nature of the findings, Dr. Tan Yen Yi is utilizing the growing collection of carcasses to fill critical knowledge gaps. She aims to develop a detailed identification guide for Southeast Asian passerines, similar to the European guide by Lars Svensson.
The museum uses these specimens to track population trends and extract DNA, which cannot be obtained from photographs. For example, the steady annual recovery of blue-winged pitta carcasses—the most common migrant fatality at about 7 per cent—indicates the species is not disappearing entirely.
Possible Future Developments
Given the current trends, it is likely that the record for bird mortality cases will be surpassed this year. Developers may face increasing pressure to reduce the use of reflective surfaces in high-risk areas.
the continued collection of biological data could potentially allow scientists to predict population changes before they occur, provided the public continues to report findings via the Dead Bird Hotline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do birds collide with modern buildings?
Glass facades reflect the sky and surrounding greenery, creating an illusion of an uninterrupted environment. Bright city lights at night can disorient migratory birds that navigate using starlight.
Which bird species are most frequently affected in Singapore?
The pink-necked green pigeon is the most common native bird fatality (nearly 10 per cent), while the blue-winged pitta is the most common migrant fatality (about 7 per cent).
How can the public report a dead bird?
Those who find a dead bird can contact the Dead Bird Hotline via WhatsApp at 9876-4997.
Do you believe urban architectural standards should be legally required to incorporate bird-safe materials?
