Zombie birds aren’t just a concept from horror movies anymore; they could be a reality soon. However, these birds aren’t after brains; they’re aimed at enhancing wildlife research.

A team of researchers from New Mexico Tech Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro has dedicated the last two years to creating drones and robots using the remains of deceased birds. Currently in the testing phase, these robotic birds may help scientists observe bird behavior, color patterns, and communication, as well as other ecological interactions.

According to Mostafa Hassanalian, the lead researcher and mechanical engineering professor at New Mexico Tech, these bird-like drones could address several problems that traditional drones pose to wildlife researchers.

“Bird strikes can happen. Real birds may attack the drone, which can cause damage, and in some cases, harm or kill the birds,” Hassanalian explained. “Traditional drones also generate a lot of noise, which can drive animals away, like when monitoring a herd of elephants in Africa.”

By developing “nature-inspired robotic systems,” Hassanalian aspires to improve researchers’ chances of successfully studying wildlife.

Here’s a breakdown of the project, including the potential for these bird drones to be applied beyond wildlife.

Different Birds for Different Functions

Throughout their study, Hassanalian and his team have experimented with three bird species.

The first is the pheasant. By utilizing an actual taxidermy pheasant head and wings, the team developed a drone with flapping wings designed to blend seamlessly with real pheasants during wildlife studies.

The researchers analyzed pheasant wings, their flapping mechanics, thrust, and lift to create a more authentic drone.

They also utilized deceased mallard ducks to construct two distinct robots—a swimming robot and a flying drone. The flying drone was created similarly to the pheasant, while the swimming robot required additional innovative methods.

Instead of replicating flapping wings, the swimming robot focused on generating duck-like feet that allow for efficient movement in water and diving. Like their airborne counterparts, the swimming robot can monitor aquatic wildlife.

The latest phase of the research involves creating stationary pigeon drones.

“We place a camera inside the neck, enabling it to livestream or share footage,” Hassanalian shared with YSL News. “If you’re exploring a national park and wish to observe wildlife from a fixed position, these could be strategically placed in trees without disturbing nearby birds, allowing for continuous monitoring.”

Ultimately, Hassanalian envisions creating a bird robot capable of flying, swimming, and perching.

How Do Other Birds Respond to the Drones and Robots?

“There’s a possibility they might be attacked by other birds, but that’s part of the natural world,” Hassanalian said with a chuckle.

He mentioned that his team is working on acquiring the necessary approvals to test the drones in real-world settings alongside live birds.

Where are the dead birds sourced?

The birds utilized by Hassanalian and his team are all sourced from natural causes.

“Every bird has been ‘taxidermied’ by licensed taxidermists. We purchase these specimens to work with them,” he explained. “We’re not involved in having a taxidermist kill a bird for us.”

Potential for Surveillance

Currently, Hassanalian and his team focus on creating bird-like drones to assist in wildlife tracking, but he acknowledges that this technology could also be applied for surveillance purposes.

“Looking ahead various taxidermied bird drones could be employed for border protection,” Hassanalian mentioned. “That’s one potential use. While we haven’t focused on that aspect, I’m merely highlighting its possibilities.”

As he worked on the project, Hassanalian became aware of concerns regarding security and the potential for these bird-like drones to be misused for spying.

Conspiracy theories surrounding birds, like the one suggesting “Birds Aren’t Real,” have gained traction in recent years. This theory claims that actual birds were replaced with “surveillance drones” during the 20th century. Despite its popularity, it remains a satirical take rather than a serious conspiracy.

“I only learned about that theory during this research,” said Hassanalian. “It is a valid concern that any technology could be misapplied unintentionally. Our work aims to promote scientific research and conservation, but we understand that mishandling could lead to issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to establish proper regulations, ethics, and public discussions regarding the development and utilization of drones.”

Regarding the use of bird drones for spying, Hassanalian stated that it is not a practice he or his team supports.

What’s on the horizon?

Apart from his work on bird drones, Hassanalian is also developing dandelion-inspired drones that will assist in seed spreading.

“Bees are endangered, they play a vital role in seed dispersal,” he emphasized. “We aim to create a dandelion drone that can facilitate seed distribution, while bird drones can transport these dandelion drones in environmentally friendly methods for seed dispersal.”

Though this initiative is still a while away from being a reality, it could positively affect bee preservation and pollination in nature.

Hassanalian is also keen on exploring the idea of creating and testing drones modeled after reptiles and amphibians, such as lizards, frogs, and snakes.

This report was updated to rectify a spelling mistake.