Mumbai heatwave takes toll on birds as dehydrated Shaheen Falcons rescued

The rescued falcon in RAWW NGO’s observation

Two Shaheen Falcons, considered one of the fastest animals on Earth, having a rare sight in urban landscapes, were found severely dehydrated and injured in the city this week. The Falcons were rescued by a citizen and admitted to Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals (BSPCA) last week.

As per the hospital officials, the falcons arrived with signs of extreme dehydration, and one of them had visible wing injury; they were stabilised and were released via the forest department to RAWW, a wildlife welfare NGO.

Heat stress and injury

The rescued falcons at BSPCA Hospital. Pics/By Special Arrangement

According to the NGO, both falcons had heat stress. The authorities said that one of the falcons has a left-wing injury that is being treated and will take a few weeks to completely recover. The falcons will further recover in the NGO's observation before being released back into the wild, they said.

Important bird

Other dehydrated birds at the BSPCA hospital

In India, the Shaheen Falcon is classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, offering it absolute protection - making it illegal to capture, possess, breed, trade, harm, or engage in falconry with the bird. Though the Peregrine Falcon is listed as ‘least concern' on the IUCN Red List, the powerful raptor is a rare sight in urban areas.

Did you know?

The Shaheen Falcon (Falco peregrinus peregrinator) is a non-migratory subspecies of the Peregrine Falcon found in the Indian subcontinent. Unlike its cousins that migrate massive distances across continents, the Shaheen subspecies is a non-migratory resident breeder in South Asia. Falcons of the Peregrine family can dive at speeds exceeding 300 km/h, making it the fastest animal on Earth.

Heat stress cases in birds

BSPCA Hospital has received over 97 cases of birds suffering from dehydration and heat stroke this month. Pigeons have the highest share - 38 per cent of these cases.

Heat stress behaviour
>> Open-mouth breathing (panting)
>> Drooping wings
>> Lethargy or weakness
>> Reduced movement
>> Moderate stress
>> Sitting still on the ground or balcony
>> Unable to fly properly
>> Eyes partially closed
>> Rapid breathing
>> Collapse or unconsciousness
>> Trembling or seizures

How citizens can help

>> Step 1: Move the bird to shade; place it in a cool, quiet area away from predators
>> Step 2: Reduce body temperature; sprinkle room-temperature water lightly on the bird; wrap it gently in a cool, damp cloth if necessary
>> Step 3: Do not force-feed water; do not pour water directly into the beak
>> Step 4: Let the bird rest; many birds recover after cooling and hydration
>> Step 5: Contact a rescue service

Official Speak

Pawan Sharma, founder and president, RAWW NGO
‘This is the third falcon that we will be treating and rehabilitating this month, which is quite uncommon. The first one rescued earlier this month was from Mulund. Our rehabilitation teams will be keeping them under observation and care till they are declared fit by our vets so that they can be released back to the wild in coordination with the forest department.'

Expert Speak

Mamta Kataria, wildlife rescuer and animal welfare officer at BSPCA Hospital
‘I inspected the falcons at the hospital; they were extremely dehydrated, and one of them had an injured wing. We received them from a citizen rescuer, but I think there's a possibility that someone must have kept them as captives.'

Wildlife rescuers

Forest Department Control Room: +91 81049 26313
RAWW Wildlife NGO: 76666 80202