Glass facades prove fatal to migratory Indian Pittas in Hyderabad

Seven Indian Pittas were rescued in Hyderabad over 10 days after colliding with glass facades of high-rise buildings. Five died and two are recovering. Wildlife activists say many such incidents go unreported and call for patterns on glass to prevent collisions.

Sangareddy: As winter migration of birds to southern India begins, the Indian Pitta, a colourful passerine that breeds in the Himalayan foothills of India, Nepal and parts of Pakistan, has been spotted at several places in and around Hyderabad. However, the rise of high-rise buildings with glass facades in the city has proved fatal for these birds.

Over the last 10 days, the Animal Warriors Conservation Society (AWCS) rescued seven Indian Pittas at various locations in Hyderabad. Five died, while two were injured after colliding with glass facades of high-rise buildings.

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The birds embark on their winter migration to escape harsh weather in the north. Exhausted by their long journey and unable to recognise glass facades as obstacles, they frequently crash into them, often with fatal consequences.

Santoshi Pradeep, a founding member of AWCS, told Telangana Today that the two surviving birds were recovering at the organisation’s rehabilitation centre from injuries sustained after hitting glass facades. She said the seven cases were only those that had come to the organisation’s notice, adding that many similar incidents could go unreported across Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana.

Wildlife activist and Voice of Nature Foundation founder Shiva Kumar said certain patterns on glass facades could help birds recognise obstacles and change direction, potentially preventing such collisions.

Similar incidents were reported in October last year as well, but neither the Forest Department nor civic authorities had taken steps to prevent them over the past year.

For the rescue of birds and animals, contact the Animal Warriors Conservation Society at 96978 87888 or the Telangana Forest Department at 1800 425 5364.