A chance encounter in Singapore lead us to an experience not many tourists know about - bird singing competitions. On that sunny Sunday morning we felt privileged to be part of a truly local event in the Ang Mo Kio housing development.
Mr Andrew Tan, co-organiser of the bird singing, and a bird-owner named Ramen, were happy to share their knowledge with us.
What is a BIrd Singing Competition?
Songbirds are popular pets in Singapore. On weekend mornings you'll see men gathering in outdoor cafes to talk, with their caged birds hanging in rows above them. This gives the birds a chance to 'chai' (sing). From these informal gatherings, bird singing competitions have developed.
Bird owners pay an entry fee and have the chance to win prizes. These, depending on the size and importance of the competition, can range from crystal vases to HD LCD television sets.
The birds are grouped according to breed. Their cages are hung in long, covered, marquee-type structures. Each bird cage has a numbered place. Others are hung from hooks on the top of very tall poles, (one cage per pole), lined up in rows on an open field.
How are the Birds Judged?
The birds are judged in four rounds over the course of two hours by four judges. When the birds are not performing for the judges, their cages are slipped into colourful cloth covers. Then the birds have a chance to rest. Twenty birds will be selected for the final 'sing-off'.
The judging covers four areas:
- Stamina - how long the bird can sing for
- Vocals - the loudness and quality of its song
- Performance - how it displays
- Variety - the number of tones and phrases it sings
Aggressive birds are prized as they display well and sing loudly when they see other birds at close quarters.
Which Birds Compete in Bird Singing Competitions?
The best birds are the equivalent of our Western thoroughbred racehorses or pedigree pooches. Breeding lines count and men may pay as much as US$100,00 for a special bird. Some men make their livings trading in songbirds. It is a very competitive business.
Owners take great care of their birds, nurturing them, training them and feeding them special food. It is more than a hobby to own a competing bird. Birds are at their peak of singing in their third year.
Ornate cages, with ivory or bone accessories and hand-painted, porcelain food and water cups, can cost up to $1,000. Each type of bird needs a different size and style of cage.
The three kinds of birds in the competitions are: the Jambul, the Shama and the Mata Puteh.
Jambul (Pycnonotus jocosus)
This songbird, a native of South Asia, takes its name from the Malaysian word for 'crest'. It has a pronounced black crest on the top of its head that lifts when it is displaying and singing. It is also known as the Red-whiskered Bulbul from the patch of bright red feathers around the ear area. It has white cheeks, throat and front and a brown back.
The Jambul likes to jump so the cages sold for this breed of bird are tall to give it room to move freely.
Shama (Copsychus malabaricus)
Another native of Southern Asia, the Shama is a striking looking bird with its black head, chestnut front
and long black tail which has white underfeathers. It is also called the White-rumped Shama.
The Shama's song is loud, with a variety of calls and phrases. It sometimes imitates the calls of other birds. It has an aggressive nature which can be an advantage in bird singing competitions.
Cages sold for Shamas are wide and large to accommodate the birds' long tails.
Mata Puteh (Zosterops palpebrosa)
This small, shy bird is also known as the Oriental White Eyes. It has a finch-like appearance with pale yellow or brown plumage. Its eyes are circled wth a ring of white feathers.
These birds are popular as pets as well as performers because they are not as expensive to buy as the other breeds.
Mr Tan told us about Singapore's up-coming National Bird Singing Competition to be held on September 11, 2011. There are places for 250 Jambul, 150 Shama and 250 Mata Puteh. Entry fees range from $12 to $20 and there are generous prizes for each category. It should be an interesting event when bird-owners show off their treasured birds and hope they will be in fine voice on the day!
Wendy Craig - Wendy is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, anthologies and travel books in New Zealand and U.K.
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