India, Jan. 6 -- The first victims of India's growing heat crisis are often the ones we overlook.

Urban India is noticeably warming, and the mornings are quieter in many built-up neighbourhoods. Scientists now warn that the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is intensifying conditions that make cities increasingly difficult for many bird species to survive in.

When temperatures crossed 45degC in parts of Delhi (India Meteorological Department records), rescue centres recorded many cases of dehydrated and collapsing birds like pigeons, parakeets and kites, struggling to find shade or water. Similarly in Ahmedabad, rescuers reported finding many birds weak and dehydrated during sustained heat spells.

What exactly is an Urban Heat Island?

An...