Kochi Buildings: New Home for Rare Shaheen Falcons

A pair of Shaheen falcons, rarely seen in Kerala, have established a nest in an under-construction residential building in Kochi. Birdwatcher Jayadev Menon has been observing the birds, which are typically found in rocky, hilly terrains. This marks a significant adaptation for these cliff-dwelling birds, as they have chosen an urban landscape for their habitat.

The falcons are subspecies of the Peregrine falcon, known for their hunting prowess. The male guards the nest and hunts, while the female incubates the eggs. Their presence in Kochi is attributed to the proximity of food sources like bats and smaller birds in areas like Mangalavanam.

Conservationists suggest that the falcons' move into urban areas may indicate environmental degradation and loss of traditional nesting sites due to expanding cities and infrastructure. This adaptation by Shaheen falcons to utilize unfinished buildings for nesting underscores the challenges wildlife faces in adapting to changing environments.