As heat wave conditions prevail in Delhi and most of us prefer to stay indoors, avoiding the scorching heat is simply not an option for the winged creatures particularly pigeons and eagles who have made skyscrapers, buildings, and high mast towers as their shelters.
These structures, once their sanctuaries, now act as lethal furnaces under the scorching sun, leading to a surge in heat-related illnesses among avian species, said the wildlife bird rescue centres and hospitals busy nursing the heat-struck avian species.
“These structures, acting like furnaces, have become lethal for birds such as eagles and pigeons. At least 50 per cent of the injured birds we are receiving these days are victims of heatstroke," said Dr Har Avtar Singh, a vet at Jain Charitable Birds Hospital in Central Delhi.
Some birds may fall while flying, not necessarily due to a lack of energy, but often because of various factors such as exhaustion, injury, illness, or adverse weather conditions. Birds, like all animals, expend energy during flight, and if they become fatigued or weakened for any reason, they may struggle to maintain altitude or control their flight, leading to falls.
"Tragically, at least ten per cent of these birds perish," he lamented. The hospital, one of the oldest bird care centers in the capital, currently houses around 2,500 birds. Dr. Singh noted that most of the 80 daily cases they handle involve heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke, diarrhea, and dry eyes.
Dr Singh added that besides pigeons and eagles, parrot species like ladybirds and macaws are struggling to cope with the blistering weather. Residents have reported instances of birds dropping from trees due to exhaustion or straining to take flight from the ground or terraces.
Dr. Singh explained that birds lack sweat glands, making it difficult for them to escape the heat. Without timely treatment, birds suffering from heatstroke can face paralysis or lifelong disabilities.
Ornithologists and bird enthusiasts have raised alarms over the rise in heat-related disorders among birds. Karthik Satyanaryan from Wildlife SOS pointed out that birds are often the first victims of rising temperatures because their small organs cannot retain water and nutrients for long periods, leading to rapid energy depletion. "Feeding them water and food at regular intervals is crucial, but this is often challenging for free-ranging birds that struggle to find water and food, making them more prone to heatstroke," Satyanaryan said.
Experts recommend that bird feeders be cleaned regularly to prevent infections. “One should keep cold water in shaded areas and if possible add ORS or electrolytes to the water to ensure birds receive adequate nutrients. In cases where birds are immobilized by the heat, moving them to a shaded area and providing first aid promptly can be life-saving,” said Dr Vinod Sharma, a vet expert from Tri Nagar in the national capital.According to ornithologists, eagle populations have adapted to nesting in urban environments, favoring man-made structures like skyscrapers, communication towers, and utility poles. However, these nesting sites can become unbearably hot during heatwaves, posing significant risks to the birds.
Eagle chicks, for example, are vulnerable to heat stress, which can cause them to become restless and agitated, leading to accidental falls from nests precariously built on high poles near the city.
