Great slaty woodpecker: Once lost, now found again in Singapore's forests

The first record of the great slaty woodpecker on May 2, 2018 near the summit of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. PHOTO: TED LEE
The re-appearance of the great slaty woodpecker has been described by veteran bird-watcher Alan Owyong as the greatest ornithological event in Singapore in the last decade. PHOTO: ALAN OWYONG
The great slaty woodpecker seen in Tanjung Puting in Johor, Malaysia. PHOTO: CON FOLEY
The great slaty woodpecker disappeared from Singapore forests since 1950, along with seven other woodpecker species. PHOTO: ART TOH
The great slaty woodpecker disappeared from Singapore forests since 1950, along with seven other woodpecker species. PHOTO: ART TOH
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SINGAPORE - The great slaty woodpecker is not the most attractive of birds, with its bald head and grey cloak of feathers.

But a sighting of it near the summit of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve last week has got the birding community in Singapore buzzing with excitement.

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