Karachi: A rare white tailed eagle has been rescued in Sindh after reportedly returning to Pakistan following an absence of around 155 years, drawing fresh attention to the country’s little documented population of the species.

The eagle was discovered during research into migratory birds arriving in Pakistan from colder regions in October 2025. According to bird enthusiast Haroon Yousafzai, the bird had travelled from Europe and was found in severely poor condition after being captured by hunters in Sukkur.

The bird, identified as a juvenile female, had reportedly been held captive for use in trapping other birds. Its condition was particularly serious, with reports stating that both eyes had been stitched and that it had suffered infections and other injuries. Its feathers had also been cut, leaving it unable to fly normally.

Yousafzai and his team rescued the eagle in November 2025 and began its rehabilitation in coordination with the Sindh Wildlife Department. The bird was placed in a controlled environment while receiving care for its injuries and other health problems.

The white tailed eagle, scientifically known as Haliaeetus albicilla, is generally associated with colder parts of Europe and northern Eurasia. Its appearance in Sindh is considered highly unusual, with reports indicating that only a limited number of confirmed sightings have been recorded in Pakistan. Some accounts put the number of documented records during the 20th century at between 12 and 15, or possibly fewer.

The circumstances surrounding the bird’s arrival in Sindh remain uncertain. Reports suggest that severe weather may have contributed to its unusual movement, while other accounts have linked its displacement to wider regional conditions.

Conservationists now plan to release the eagle after it has fully recovered. Yousafzai said it is expected to be released from the Margalla Hills in December, with a GPS tracking device attached beforehand. The tracker would allow researchers to follow its movements and gather information about its migration route and eventual return to its natural habitat.

The rescue has also highlighted the risks faced by rare migratory birds after entering areas where they are unfamiliar to local communities. For conservationists, the eagle’s recovery offers an opportunity not only to save an individual bird but also to improve understanding of a species rarely documented in Pakistan.