A Harris hawk seconded for military duties from a wildlife amusement park has failed to live up to its mission, prompting the air force to consider enlisting German goshawks known for their tenacity and strength.

"You simply can't risk life, and the aircraft are expensive," Lieutenant Colonel Penny Ang, commanding officer of the Tengah Air Base flying support squadron, told the Straits Times newspaper.

The biggest problem is the migratory egret that appears between September and November. Singapore, a leafy island dotted by nature reserves and water catchments, has a sizeable population of birds even in the city center.

About 10 "bird strikes" are recorded monthly in four bases and pilots have felt the shock of birds hitting their aircraft, the report said. So far, only minor aircraft damage has been reported, but officials are taking no chances.

In addition to birds of prey, the air force also uses flares, digitally recorded bird distress calls, pesticides to kill insects eaten by birds, and a chemical repellant dispenser activated by SMS text messages from the control tower whenever unwelcome avian guests are spotted on the runway.

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