Rare Himalayan Vulture Sightings Excite Birdwatchers Across Singapore

1

The recent appearance of Himalayan vultures in Singapore has generated widespread interest over the past week.

The birds, which are typically found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, were initially spotted in western parts of Singapore. However, at least one vulture has since been seen in the east, along the East Coast Parkway (ECP).

Instagram user Danielle Gan (@daniellegan_) told Mothership that her mother first noticed the large bird at about 2:20pm on Jan. 11 while they were driving along the ECP.

She said the bird was so still that it initially resembled a pile of leaves. “Then we realised it was a vulture and connected it to the news stories we had seen recently,” she said.

Amazed by the bird’s size, the family decided to turn back for a closer look. They observed the vulture for about five minutes, during which Danielle managed to record a video of it taking flight.

The Himalayan vulture has a wingspan of between 2.5m and 3m.

Danielle said the bird remained perched in trees above the ECP even as vehicles passed below, estimating that it had likely been there for at least 15 to 30 minutes. She added that she felt “very lucky” to witness the sighting and noted that the vulture appeared calm despite nearby traffic and onlookers.

Another Mothership reader also submitted photos of the vulture spotted along the ECP.

The sighting adds to recent observations by members of Singapore’s birdwatching community. Bird photographer Dylan CK spotted a Himalayan vulture at Tanah Merah Coast Road on Jan. 10 and shared photographs on the Facebook group Bird Sightings, drawing enthusiastic responses from fellow birders.

Dr Movin Nyanasengeran, president of the Bird Society of Singapore, told The Straits Times that the appearance of the vultures is linked to their post-breeding dispersal period. During this phase, juvenile birds leave their parents’ territory after becoming independent.

“Young birds tend to wander more than adults, and these vultures were probably lost during their dispersal,” he said.

Dr Movin added that Himalayan vultures are typically sighted in Singapore once every two to three years, usually at the start of the year.