How did these peafowls reach 16th-floor penthouse of Balestier condo?
Rhea Yasmine
The Straits Times
December 2, 2024
A couple living in the penthouse of a condominium in Balestier found themselves the unexpected hosts to two colourful peafowls that made their way up the 16th-floor unit on Nov 27.
In a video posted by user Craig Wylie on the Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook page on Nov 28, the two birds are seen pecking at a plant on the rooftop of his penthouse while observing their surroundings.
Mr Wylie told The Straits Times that he initially noticed the shadow of one of the birds on the evening of Nov 27, and thought that it was stuck or looking to nest.
"I decided to check (on it) in the morning as I would only scare it in the middle of the night," said the 50-year-old, who works in the logistics industry.
To his surprise, he found the two peafowls roaming the rooftop the next morning.
"It was lovely to see them," he said.
He took in the rare sight from behind the tinted glass windows of his home to avoid spooking the birds.
Mr Wylie said the curious peafowls stopped at each of his plants, feeding on some of the berries and seeds.
He added that they looked well-fed and healthy, and did not appear panicked.
Later that day, at about 12.30pm, he discovered that the birds had left for the condominium next to theirs.
"I was pleased to see them on the ground floor after leaving my rooftop," he said, noting that the birds were walking around unharmed.
"My wife, Yingqiu, and I look forward to their next visit."
The curious peafowls stopped at each of the plants, feeding on some of the berries and seeds. PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM CRAIG WYLIE/FACEBOOK
Mr Wylie's post generated some buzz in the Facebook group as peafowl are not known for flying to such great heights, but the pair had made it all the way up 16 floors.
A netizen, commenting on Mr Wylie's post, said he had seen peafowl fly five storeys up, but noted that Mr Wylie's penthouse is much higher.
Some netizens also speculated that the birds are pets that had either escaped or are allowed to roam free.
Dr Rina Maguire of Beecroft Avian & Exotics Veterinary Clinic in Alexandra Road told ST that it is "physically impossible" for a peafowl to reach the 16th floor by continuous flight alone.
While they are able to fly, peafowls can typically fly up to a height of only 8m vertically, or about two storeys high, at a time, according to birdwatching guide Birdfact.
Taking into account the height of the penthouse and of the neighbouring structures, Dr Maguire, a veterinarian who has worked with exotic companion animals for more than 18 years, said it is unlikely the peafowls glided in from a nearby structure.
"As incredulous as it might sound, the peafowls could have managed to enter the building and reached the 16th floor either via an elevator or a flight of stairs," she said.
But more likely, said Dr Maguire, the peafowls already reside within the same building, given how comfortable they look in the video shared by Mr Wylie.
"There is a chance these peafowls are domesticated and are used to living in human quarters."
