INDIA’S severe heatwave is having an unusual impact on its avian population, with birds falling from the sky due to “exhaustion and heatstroke” in many places, said animal rescuers.

The scorching weather has affected several parts of the country since the beginning of summer in March.

The temperature reached almost 50°C in the capital New Delhi and northern state of Uttar Pradesh just a few days ago.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently said this is the country’s warmest March in 122 years.

Bird rescuers said they are seeing an unusual increase in the number of birds in need of treatment and rescue calls this year.

Sanjay Patel, a senior employee at an animal hospital, said there is a surge in the number of birds in need of immediate attention and brought to his hospital this year.

“We used to see between 25 and 30 birds a day for the past three years, but the figure has increased to up to 100 a day now.

“In most of the cases, which we get from Ahmedabad, we are seeing dehydration as the main reason (for medical attention).”

He said rescuers are picking up birds that fell on the ground and bringing them to animal hospitals.

The birds are released after being treated at the hospital, he added.

The story is similar in the neighbouring desert state of Rajasthan.

Raj Kishore, an associate at Animal Aid Unlimited, said the group receives about 100 calls for rescues a day.

“The cases coming to us are different. We are seeing other animal cases as well, like cows… but bird cases are more.”

Nadeem Shahzad from private animal rescue organisation Wildlife Rescue said the biggest worry is that it is breeding season right now.

“As the temperature increases in the last few weeks, the number of birds admitted to hospital also increased.

“It is breeding season, and the situation makes it difficult for nestlings when they leave and are not able to find water.”

Birds face a lot of difficulties, including dehydration, and many die as a result, he added.

“The load is 50% higher this time compared with last year.

“We also received cases involving baby birds that are learning to fly, but fall on the ground due to dehydration or heatstroke and were rescued.”

According to IMD, the highest temperature recorded in New Delhi yesterday was 49°C. – Bernama, May 23, 2022.