For the first time, a pair of peregrine falcons has been observed nesting in the heart of Singapore’s central business district, on the 34th floor of the OCBC Centre.
In an exciting development for biodiversity in Singapore, a pair of peregrine falcons has set up their home on the 34th floor of the OCBC Centre, located on Chulia Street. The pair’s nest, located 10 meters above the balcony, marks the first documented breeding attempt of peregrine falcons in downtown Singapore.
The peregrine falcon, known for being the fastest bird on the planet, is typically found nesting on cliffs in natural habitats. However, the towering skyscrapers of Singapore’s central business district provide a suitable man-made alternative. The pair at OCBC Centre chose a recess with a protective overhang, providing them with a safe space for nesting.
In August 2024, a biodiversity report published in Nature in Singapore confirmed the sighting of two eggs in the recess. Unfortunately, the eggs appeared to be abandoned due to shell damage, possibly because of poor nesting conditions. Researchers from the National Parks Board (NParks), in collaboration with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), retrieved the eggs using an innovative device called Ernest (Egg Retrieval and Nesting Enhancement Support Tool), named after the scientific name of the falcon.
Following the discovery, NParks installed a nesting tray with loose gravel in the recess to improve the falcons’ chances of breeding successfully in the future. A CCTV system has also been set up to monitor their nesting cycle, with the goal of fostering successful breeding by early 2025. If the falcons nest successfully, their eggs are expected to hatch by March 2025.
For OCBC staff, the falcons have become an unexpected yet fascinating addition to their work environment, with the bank contributing $10,000 to support the nesting project. The bank has expressed enthusiasm about the birds’ presence, seeing it as a positive symbol of nature’s resilience amidst urban spaces.
