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BiodiversitySG

Test your knowledge on Singapore's garden birds

Take the quiz below to test your knowledge on the common garden bird species you can find in Singapore!

Last updated 29 May 2026

Sturnidae (Family of Mynas and Starlings)

Mynas and Starlings have specialized jaw muscles designed to pry open instead of just snap shut. This allows them to "spring" open holes in the ground or fruit.

Are you able to differentiate the Common Myna from the Javan Myna?

Swipe to the next picture to find out!
Which is the common myna and javan myna
Click here to read about the differences between the Common Myna and the Javan Myna!

  • The Javan Myna has a dark body while the Common Myna has a brown body.

  • The Common Myna has a yellow patch around its eyes while the Javan Myna lacks this yellow patch.

Columbidae (Family of Pigeons and Doves)

Species in this family typically forage on the ground (with the exception of the Pink-necked Green Pigeon) and they can be identified by their disproportionately small head on a plump, rounded body. You can listen for a deep rhythmic “coo” sound to know if they are around!

Are you able to differentiate the Spotted Dove from the Zebra Dove?

Swipe to the next picture to find out!
The difference between a spotted dove and zebra dove
Click here to read about the differences between the Zebra Dove and the Spotted Dove!

  • The Zebra Dove has a smaller and sleeker build. In contrast, the Spotted Dove has a larger and bulkier build.

  • The Zebra Dove has a barred collar while the Spotted Dove has a spotted collar, as its name suggests.

Cuculidae (Family of Cuckoos, Coucals and Malkohas)

Cuckoos are brood parasites that sneak their eggs into the nests of others! In comparison, the Malkohas and Coucals are hardworking parents that raise their own chicks.

Are you able to differentiate the Asian Glossy Starling from the male Asian Koel?

Swipe to the next picture to find out!
Asian Glossy Starling and the male Asian Koel
Click here to read about the differences between the Asian Glossy Starling and the male Asian Koel!

  • The Asian Glossy Starling has a black beak. Conversely, the male Asian Koel has a greyish beak.

  • The Asian Glossy Starling has a glossy blackish-green plumage while the male Asian Koel has a glossy black plumage.

  • The Asian Glossy Starling also has a shorter tail than the male Asian Koel.

  • You may commonly find Asian Glossy Starlings forming big flocks at roosting sites while Asian Koels are not commonly found in flocks.

Are you able to differentiate the juvenile Asian Glossy Starling from the female Asian Koel?

Swipe to the next picture to find out!
juvenile Asian Glossy Starling and the female Asian Koel
Click here to read about the differences between the juvenile Asian Glossy Starling and the female Asian Koel!

  • The juvenile Asian Glossy Starling has greyish-brown upperparts while the female Asian Koel has an overall dark brownish plumage with white spots on upperparts.

  • The juvenile Asian Glossy Starling has dull buffish-white underparts with bold dark streaks while the female Asian Koel has light brown underparts with bold streaks.

Corvidae (Family of Crows)

Unlike the Pigeons that look plump and the Starlings that look sleek, Crows look solid and muscular with "fingered" wingtips.

Are you able to differentiate the House Crow from the Large-billed Crow

Swipe to the next picture to find out!
House Crow and Large-billed Crow
Click here to read about the differences between the House Crow and the Large-billed Crow!

  • The House Crow has a grey collar whereas the Large-billed Crow has an entirely black collar.

  • The House Crow is smaller in size than the Large-billed Crow.

  • The House Crow has a larger bill and steeper forehead than the Large-billed Crow.

Psittacidae (Family of Parakeets and True Parrots)

Parakeets and True Parrots fly in tight, noisy flocks high up in the canopy. If you hear a flock of birds screeching loudly flying overhead, look for the bright green bodies and long pointed tails to spot them!

Are you able to differentiate the Red-breasted Parakeet from the Long-tailed Parakeet?

Swipe to the next picture to find out!
Red-breasted Parakeet or Long-tailed Parakeet
Click here to read about the differences between the Red-breasted Parakeet and the Long-tailed Parakeet!

  • The Long-tailed Parakeet have pink head-sides with a green crown while the Red-breasted Parakeet has a grey head.

  • The Long-tailed Parakeet has long purplish-blue tail-streamers while the Red-breasted Parakeets does not have tail-streamers.

  • As its name suggests, the Red-breasted Parakeet has a reddish-pink neck and belly. Conversely, the Long-tailed Parakeet has a green neck and belly.

Meropidae (Family of Bee-eaters)

The Bee-eaters typically sit perfectly still on an exposed perch, dart out to catch their prey mid-air, and loop right back to the exact same spot. Despite their name, they feed on a variety of flying insects, including dragonflies, bees and large flies.

Are you able to differentiate the Blue-throated Bee-eater from the Blue-tailed Bee-eater?

Swipe to the next picture to find out!
Blue-throated Bee-eater or Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Click here to read about the differences between the Blue-throated Bee-eater and the Blue-tailed Bee-eater!

  • The Blue-throated Bee-eater has a bright blue throat. In contrast, the Blue-tailed Bee-eater has golden-brown throat.

  • The Blue-throated Bee-eater has a brown crown and mantle while the Blue-tailed Bee-eater has a olive-green crown.

Nectarinidae (Family of Sunbirds)

Sunbirds are some of the smallest birds in Singapore. They perch or cling to flowers while feeding.

Are you able to differentiate the male Brown-Throated Sunbird from the male Ornate Sunbird?

Swipe to the next picture to find out!
Male Brown-Throated Sunbird or Male Ornate Sunbird
Click here to read about the differences between the male Brown-Throated Sunbird and the male Ornate Sunbird!

  • The male Brown-throated Sunbird has a thicker and relatively straighter bill while the male Ornate Sunbird has a more slender and down-curved bill.

  • The male Brown-throated Sunbird is larger in size the male Ornate Sunbird.

  • The male Brown-throated Sunbird has dull brownish head-sides and throat while the male Ornate Sunbird has plain olive-green upperparts.

Join us at Garden Bird Watch!

Enjoy spotting garden birds, or interested to learn more about them? Join us for Garden Bird Watch to collect valuable data about garden birds, which contributes to their conservation.

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