Predator in the canopy: Rare falcon spotted in Aarey forest

The Shaheen falcon perched on the shed of a cattle farm in Aarey Milk Colony. Pic/Mahesh Yadav

Mumbai-based naturalist and wildlife photographer Mahesh Yadav was fortunate to spot a Shaheen falcon, a subspecies of the Peregrine falcon, in Mumbai's Aarey forest. These birds, also known as raptors or birds of prey, are apex predators and are often accompanied by scavenger species.

The Shaheen falcon, also known as the Indian peregrine or black Shaheen, is a non-migratory subspecies of the peregrine falcon found in South Asia in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, most states of India and in Sri Lanka,

On Thursday, Mahesh Yadav - who has been documenting the bird diversity in Aarey Forest - was roaming around Aarey Milk Colony when he noticed a bird perched on the shed of a cattle farm. Using his binoculars and camera, Yadav moved closer and was surprised to discover that the bird was a Shaheen falcon, a subspecies of the Peregrine falcon.

The Shaheen falcon perched on the shed of a cattle farm in Aarey Milk Colony. Pic/Mahesh Yadav

Speaking to mid-day, Mahesh Yadav said, "Just as other urban birds have adapted, the increasing loss of their natural habitats is driving birds of prey into city environments.

"This powerful predator, usually accustomed to rugged landscapes, stood out in stark contrast against the city's skyline. Its sharp eyes and formidable presence hinted at its efficiency as a hunter. The abundance of pigeons in Mumbai likely provides an easily accessible food source for this magnificent bird of prey that might find the city a surprisingly easy hunting ground. Although the Peregrine falcon has an IUCN status of Least Concern, this glimpse of it is a potent reminder of nature's ability to adapt even in a bustling metropolis," Yadav said.

Yadav had earlier spotted another rare bird, the brown hawk owl, near a housing society in Gokuldham, Goregaon East, close to Aarey Milk Colony. Yadav, who has been documenting bird biodiversity in the area, confirmed the sighting after responding to residents who heard an unfamiliar bird call at night. Aarey Milk Colony is home to 13 species of amphibians, 46 species of reptiles, 76 species of avifauna, 16 species of mammals, 86 species of butterflies, five species of scorpions, 19 families of spiders, and 35 species of ants.