Singapore Bird Race

About Singapore Bird Race

Held annually since 1984, the Singapore Bird Race, organised by the Nature Society Singapore (NSS) is one of the longest-running citizen science events in Southeast Asia.

Through the race, we aim to promote the appreciation, awareness, and conservation of wild birds in Singapore, as well as to raise awareness about local biodiversity among the general public.

The Singapore Bird Race has also served as a valuable source of scientific knowledge regarding the distribution and conservation status of endangered bird species in the country.

The data collected during this annual race has been used in guiding national conservation assessments and initiatives.

The Singapore Bird Race has been supported by main sponsor Mapletree Investments since 2019.

Highlights from 40th Singapore Bird Race (2024)

Held from 9 – 10 November 2024, the 40th Singapore Bird Race saw another year of record-breaking participation, attracting over 400 participants of all ages. A total of 124 teams competed across the seven categories – Marathon, Sprint, Photographer, Novice, Family, Youth and School (Primary).

There was strong participation from the society’s members and the wider community including businesses, academic institutions, government bodies, school students, and the general public.

Notable Species Sightings

Familiar residents of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve:

Asian Glossy Starling
Malaysian Pied Fantail
Pink-necked Green Pigeon

Migratory landbirds across Singapore:

Yellow-rumped Flycatcher
Ruddy Kingfisher
Ashy Minivet
Brown Shrike
Asian Brown Flycatcher

Species of conservation concern:

Lesser Adjutant
Straw-headed Bulbul
Malaysian Plover

Join us for the 41st Singapore Bird Race (2025)!

The theme this year is “Woodland Birds”, highlighting the importance of conserving our remaining patches of woodlands. Despite fragmentation, these patches are home to many species that are adapting to survive in our city.

Come celebrate our woodland birds in this year’s run of the Singapore Bird Race!

Race Details

Date: 15 – 16 November 2025 (Saturday – Sunday)

Time: See programme below; Varies by categories

Venue for Flag Off:

For all categories except Marathon, Visitor Centre of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
For Marathon, anywhere in Singapore

Award & Closing Ceremony Details

Date: 16 November 2025 (Sunday)

Time: 1.45 pm – 3.00 pm

Venue: Town Hall of Mapletree Business City (MBC)

Programme on 16 November 2025 (Sunday)

0730 – Flag off for Sprint, Novice, Family, and Photographer
0800 – Flag off for Youth and School (Primary)
1000 – Race ends for School (Primary)
1200 – Race ends for Photographer
1230 – Race ends for Marathon, Sprint, Novice, Family, and Youth
1230 – Submission of Log Sheet at MBC & Lunch
1345 – Award & Closing Ceremony
1500 – End

Birdinging
Species Spotted
72

Race Categories and Details

We welcome participants of all backgrounds, from beginners to experts. With specific categories designed for different levels and interests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Build your own teams and select from one of the following race categories:

Marathon

15 Nov, 12.30 pm -
16 Nov, 12.30 pm
3 - 4 members per team
For extreme birdwatchers
24 hours long

Sprint

16 Nov
7.30 am - 12:30 pm
3 - 4 members per team
For advanced birdwatchers
5 hours long

Novice

16 Nov
7.30 am - 12.30 pm
3 - 4 members per team
For novice birdwatchers (i.e., 2 or less years of experience)
5 hours long

Family

16 Nov
7.30 am - 12.30 pm
2 - 4 members per team
At least 1 parent & 1 child of 12 years old or below
5 hours long

Photographer

16 Nov
7.30 am - 12.00 pm
2 members per team
4.5 hours long

Youth (13 - 18 years old)

16 Nov
8.00 am - 12.30 pm
3 - 4 members per team
4.5 hours long

Student (Primary)

16 Nov
8.00 am - 10.00 am
3 - 4 members per team
Accompanied by a teacher
2 hours long

Join us for some fun

Race Registration

Registration is open now to 05 October 2025 (Sunday) on Eventbrite! Click here to register now.

Registration Fees

Per Adult NSS Member: SGD 15
Per Adult Non-NSS Member: SGD 20
Per Primary Schooler/Youth (18 years old and below): Free – Registration is still required

Payment has to be made when registering.

Please ensure that you register as a team and fill in all the required details of your team members.

Teams who have successfully registered will receive a confirmation email and more details (Rules & Conditions, etc.) in the weeks leading up to the race.

Early Bird Benefit – First come, first served, while spots last!

Register before 17 September 2025 (Wednesday) for an exclusive opportunity to join a guided birdwatching session at Gardens by the Bay.

Should you have any enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

How to join?

Registration for the 39th Singapore Bird Race has closed.

Stay tuned for our 40th run!

For queries, clarifications or updates regarding the Singapore Bird Race, contact us at [email protected]

Other signature programmes

NSS Every Singaporean A Naturalist

NSS Rewilding Project

Pre-Race Talks and Walks

To gear up for the race, do sign up for the upcoming pre-race talks and walks.
Click on the events below to learn more and register.

Members only

Birdwatching for Beginners at Bishan – Ang Mo Kio Park

23 Aug, Sat
7.30 am – 10.30 am

Click here for more details

Open to the public

Talk by Uncle Tony: Wild Growth Woodlands of Singapore

20 Sep, Sat
2.00 pm – 3.30 pm

Click here for more details

Open to the public but priority for early-bird sign-ups of the Singapore Bird Race (before 17 Sep, Wed)

SBR Early Bird Benefit: Birdwatching at Gardens by the Bay

27 Sep, Sat
7.30 am – 10.30 am

Click here for more details

Open to the public

Online Talk: Strategies for Winning a Bird Race

11 Oct, Sat
2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Click here for more details