This is the heartbreaking aftermath of a killer heatwave that is devastating populations of birds and animals in Mexico.

Stricken creatures have been simply dropping dead as extreme temperatures soar to up to 54 degrees Celsius in Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosi states.

Birds like the country’s vividly green lilac-crowned Amazon parrots are being found dead from dehydration in huge numbers where they literally fall from the skies in mid-flight.

Others like owls, woodpeckers, pelicans and toucans have been discovered in one acutely stricken area of Huasteca Potosina, normally a paradise for nature lovers.

One distressing image shows a dehydrated mother bird dead with her chick beside her.

Animals like foxes, coyotes and bats have also been killed in the heat, reports local media.

Even horses have been found unconscious after eating baking hot grass without water nearby to cool them off.

Surviving animals have been taken to veterinarians throughout the state and to the Selva Teenek Ecopark in Ciudad Valles.

The park has reported a massive influx of animals and birds with malnutrition, dehydration, or injuries from being run over on the roads where they fell.

In an urgent advice bulletin, they have told the public to put stricken creatures into the shade in cardboard boxes with ventilation holes.

And, as they cool off, they can be sprayed with water at room temperature.

They also warned animal lovers not to place birds directly in water or try to force any down their beaks because it could kill them.

The extreme weather has also caused the deaths of four adults from heatstroke, the Mexican Social Security Institute confirmed on 11th May.

Police and health officials have warned everyone to stay indoors and keep hydrated.

Schools have been ordered to change their timetables to avoid classes in the hottest parts of the day and have urged them to switch to teaching online.