France Heatwave Threatens Nesting Birds and Wildlife

Wildlife rehabilitation centers operated by the League for the Protection of Birds are preparing for a possible increase in young birds affected by the current heatwave in France. The centers are on high alert for birds that may fall from nests or be abandoned due to extreme heat.

Birds that nest under rooftops, such as swifts and swallows, face particular risk because temperatures under roofs can reach record levels. Storks and some birds of prey that nest on cliffs or in exposed locations are also vulnerable.

The heatwave is occurring at the height of the nesting period. Officials noted that adult birds may abandon nests when temperatures become too high, leaving eggs unincubated or causing chicks to fall while attempting to escape the heat. Bird counts conducted during the coming months, particularly during migration periods, will be used to assess whether the heatwave produced measurable effects on reproduction rates.

The current heatwave is described as extreme and unprecedented, though it is not accompanied by drought conditions. Impacts on plants and other wildlife are expected but remain difficult to quantify at this stage.