Scientific Name: Plegadis falcinellus
Malay Name: Sekendi-Kilat Biasa
Chinese Name: 彩鹮
Found throughout most of Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Central and North America. Populations from Asia and Australia may disperse widely outside the breeding season.
Size: 55-65 cm
Identification: Non-breeding adult has mostly uniform dark brownish plumage, white streaks on head and neck, green gloss on scapulars and upperwing-coverts and long down-curved bill. Adult in breeding plumage has glossed green forecrown and deep chestnut head, neck and body with no streaks. Juvenile resembles non-breeding adult but duller.
Habitat: Mudflats and marshy wetlands.
Behaviour/Ecology: Forages mostly by wading in shallow water, probing in soft mud for food.
Local Status: Very rare vagrant
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Location: Previous sightings were at Lorong Halus (June 1984), Sungei Buloh (May 1989 and Nov 2007) and Sime Road (Oct 1992).
Craig Robson (2011) A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia
Lim Kim Seng (2009) The Avifauna of Singapore