A team of researchers revealed their success in developing drones from dead birds in a study presented at the American Aerospace Science and Technology Forum in January.
"Instead of using artificial materials to build drones, we can take dead birds and reengineer them into drones," said Mostafa Hassanalian, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the New Mexico Institute of Mines and Technology.
The drones are named Ornithopters designed to follow the way birds fly. Hassanalian and his colleagues have combined taxidermy bird parts with artificial flapping drone mechanisms to look and move almost exactly like birds.
While it is difficult to manufacture these bird-like drones, "they are very practical for research purposes and can keep nature undisturbed," the researchers said.
According to Hassanalian, these drones can help wildlife researchers - especially how migratory birds save energy during long flights.
Hassanalian said the birds can conserve more than 40% of their energy by flying in formation and changing positions frequently and can fly 2,000 kilometers in two days.
By using these drones to observe migratory birds, the researchers also hope to learn how to apply natural methods to airplanes.
Drones could also be used to monitor future deforestation and hunting, as well as engage in military missions. But it is not impossible that one day it will be used by the military to spy on people without being noticed.
Until now, the dead bird drone has only been a prototype. "The final improvement is adding legs so the drone can perch and monitor without using up a lot of batteries," concluded the scientists in the study.