New Mexico Tech Creates Drones from Dead Birds to Study Wildlife Dynamics

A team of researchers at New Mexico Tech's Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro has made a groundbreaking innovation by creating advanced "animatronic" bird drones from preserved bodies of dead birds.

According to USA Today, these robotic bird drones are designed to help study bird formations, coloration, communication patterns, and other ecological dynamics. The devices address challenges traditional drones face in wildlife monitoring, such as disturbing animals with excessive noise.

The lead researcher, mechanical engineering professor Mostafa Hassanalian, explained that these nature-inspired robotic systems are designed to more seamlessly observe wildlife without causing disturbances. "Drones generate a lot of noise. For instance, if you're monitoring elephants in Africa, the noise often frightens animals, causing them to scatter," Hassanalian noted.

The researchers have created three types of bird drones, including a prototype with flapping wings made using a taxidermy pheasant's head and wings. Another drone is an automated mallard duck that can fly or swim through water, mimicking the natural movements of a real duck. A third drone features stationary pigeons equipped with cameras in their necks for real-time video broadcasting.

Interestingly, all birds used in these projects were already deceased, according to Hassanalian. The technology could potentially serve for future surveillance applications, however, and the team is excited to expand its research.

The New Mexico Tech project showcases the innovative potential of combining taxidermy and robotics to pursue scientific research and conservation goals.