Why are rare Himalayan griffons and drongos appearing in Singapore?

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Rare Himalayan Griffons and Drongos Have Been Observed in Singapore Due to Migratory Deviations

Recent sightings of a Himalayan griffon and a hair-crested drongo in Singapore have generated excitement among local birdwatchers. The Himalayan griffon, a large migratory vulture, was observed landing on a rooftop in the Commonwealth area by enthusiast Lee Zhi Heng, and later seen flying over Berlayer Creek in the Labrador area by Trevor Teo. This species is classified as "near threatened" on the IUCN Red List. Concurrently, a hair-crested drongo was spotted at Mount Faber, representing only the second documented instance of this species in Singapore, with the prior sighting occurring in 2019 at Changi Business Park.
Himalayan Griffons Are Becoming Semi-Regular Winter Visitors

Professor Frank Rheindt, head of the Avian Evolution Lab at the National University of Singapore, has noted that the Himalayan griffon has become a semi-regular winter visitor to Singapore. It is believed that these birds likely originate from a population that spends its winters at a vulture feeding site located in Phuket, Thailand. The species faced significant population declines historically due to the use of Diclofenac, a veterinary drug lethal to vultures, in cattle farming.
Drongos May Be Overshooting Migration Routes

The hair-crested drongo, typically found in drier regions of Southeast Asia, is thought to have arrived in Singapore due to overshooting its migration route. Professor Rheindt suggests that this particular bird was likely a Chinese breeder that travelled too far south during its migratory journey. This deviation from typical migratory paths highlights the potential for species to appear in unexpected locations.
Singapore's Role in Avian Migration Patterns

While not explicitly detailed in the provided context, the appearances of these rare species underscore Singapore's position within broader avian migration networks. The island's geographical location can serve as a potential stopover point or, in some cases, an unintended destination for birds undertaking long-distance migrations. Such occurrences provide valuable opportunities for observing and understanding the dynamics of bird migration in the region.

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Why are rare Himalayan griffons and drongos appearing in Singapore?

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