World’s fastest bird Peregrine Falcon spotted in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

Raipur

The Peregrine Falcon, globally recognised as the fastest bird of prey, has been sighted at the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) in Chhattisgarh. Forest Guard Omprakash Rao captured the rare bird on camera, marking a significant moment for wildlife enthusiasts and the state forest department.

Locally known as the ‘Shaheen Baaj’ and often called the ‘Cheetah of the Sky’, the falcon is famed for its incredible hunting speed. Experts note that while the bird maintains a steady flight speed, it can reach over 320 km/h during its characteristic high-speed dive (‘stoop’) to strike its prey.

The sighting occurred in the dense forest patches of the reserve, which has recently emerged as a vital habitat for rare species. Officials confirmed that the falcon had previously been recorded via drone cameras near the Shesh Pagar waterfall in the Amamora region, indicating its active presence in the area.

Favourable ecosystem for rare species

The USTR management attributed the appearance of the falcon to the reserve’s unique topography and its success in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The reserve, spanning Gariaband and Dhamtari districts, consists of nearly 60% mountainous terrain, providing high-altitude vantage points preferred by these raptors.

“Chhattisgarh is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for diverse avian species due to its conducive climate and rich biodiversity,” a forest official stated.

Apart from the Peregrine Falcon, recent wildlife surveys in the state have also reported sightings of other rare birds, including the Orange-breasted Green Pigeon and the Black-capped Kingfisher at the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Characteristics of the ‘Sky Cheetah’

• Hunting Technique: Uses sharp yellow talons to capture smaller birds, pigeons, and parrots mid-air.
• Monogamous Nature: Known for lifelong pairing, often choosing one mate for life.
• Lifespan: Typically 12 to 15 years in the wild.

The forest department continues to collaborate with local tribal communities to monitor and protect habitats of such endangered and rare species within the tiger reserve.