SINGAPORE – A recent sighting of the violet turaco, a beautiful bird native to the tropical forests of West Africa, has sent waves of excitement through the birdwatching community in Singapore.

On January 3, avid nature photographer Mr. Andy Chew embarked on a quest to find this rare avian visitor at Hampstead Wetlands Park in Seletar, after hearing about its recent appearances on a local wildlife chat group.

This trip marked Mr. Chew's third attempt to capture the elusive bird on camera, and his determination highlighted the allure of the violet turaco, known for its stunning deep violet plumage and striking yellow-orange beak.

It possesses a distinctive white streak behind its eyes, making it a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts.

“When I got to the park, I was all alone and not very optimistic about my chances,” Mr. Chew shared in a post on the Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook group.

Undeterred, he made his way to the nearby Seletar Camp, where others had reported successful sightings previously.

To his delight, Mr. Chew soon heard the distinctive call of the violet turaco.

A friendly cleaner from the camp pointed him towards the bird’s favored tree – located near a carpark – and after just 20 minutes of waiting, his patience paid off.

“It came out to chase a crow, and I was able to enjoy a 30-minute close encounter with this stunning bird,” he recounted.

Mr. Chew, who has also photographed a violet turaco at the Bird Paradise in Mandai, noted the challenges of spotting such a quick-moving bird.

“Knowing a few of its favorite spots made it easier to locate it,” he explained.

The sighting has sparked considerable interest on social media, with Mr. Chew's experiences igniting conversations among bird enthusiasts.

“What an incredible experience. It was a real reward at the end!