Collection: Bird Songs

Breeding and training birds to become powerful and melodic singers used to be widespread across the Kampongs or “villages” of Singapore. Today however, it has become increasingly rare with only a few bird singing clubs remaining. These clubs organize bird singing competitions in the early morning. The judges evaluate the bird songs based on the pitch and tone as well as the consistency of melody. These competitions, held a few times a month, are also a social activity, as the competitions last several hours, and bird owners spend this time socializing. They also meet regularly to train their birds together. Interestingly, some of these birds are worth astronomical sums, into the hundreds of thousands of Singapore dollars. Their cages are often elegantly handcrafted. The photographs of this collection were taken at the bird-hanging corner of Block 151 Serangoon North Ave 2. I visit the area regularly early on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Who knows for how much longer this obscure element of Kampong culture will survive?