New Mexico
Zombie birds? New Mexico researchers develop wildlife observation drones from dead birds
The research team at New Mexico Tech has constructed and tested pheasant, mallard duck and pigeon drones and robots. The lead researcher wants them for wildlife monitoring but uses could vary.
Zombie duck drones monitor fellow wildlife
New Mexico Tech are fitting bird carcasses with drone technology to monitor wildlife and bird populations.
Zombie birds are no longer part of post-apocalyptic fiction; they may soon be among us. But in their newfound life, the birds aren’t looking for brains. They’re being used to further wildlife research.
Researchers at the New Mexico Tech Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro have spent the past two years developing drones and robots from the bodies of dead birds. Still in testing, the animatronic birds may be used to study avian formations, coloration and communication, in addition to other natural ecosystems.
These bird-like drones could solve some issues that wildlife researchers have experienced with traditional drones, said Mostafa Hassanalian, lead researcher and mechanical engineering professor at New Mexico Tech.
“Sometimes, you get a bird strike. The birds attack your drone. Your drone gets damaged and at the same time, the birds get hurt or they might be killed,” Hassanalian said. “Drones carry lots of noise. For example, if you are monitoring a herd of elephants in Africa for wildlife monitoring, they carry lots of noise and the animals would be scared and scatter.”
By creating “nature-inspired robotic systems,” Hassanalian hopes researchers can find more success in studying wildlife.
Here’s what you need to know, including whether the bird drones could be used outside of the animal kingdom.
Different birds for different purposes
Hassanalian and his students have worked with the bodies of three different types of birds throughout their research.
The first is a pheasant. Using a real taxidermy pheasant head and pheasant wings, the research team tested the creation of a drone with flapping wings. The purpose was to create a drone that could more naturally blend in with other pheasants for wildlife monitoring.
The team studied the wings of pheasants, flapping patterns, thrust and lift forces, among other characteristics to create a realistic drone.
The research team has also worked with dead mallard ducks to create two different types of robots − a swimming robot and a flying drone. The latter was designed and tested similarly to the pheasant, while the former required some new research and testing.
Rather than focusing on recreating flapping wings, the focus of the swimming duck robot was recreating feet that accurately replicated a duck’s that can glide through the water and dive down. Similar to airborne birds, the swimming duck robot could be used to monitor aquatic wildlife.
The latest of the research team’s work centers around stationary pigeons.
“They have a camera in the neck and this can basically do real-time video or broadcasting,” Hassanalian told USA TODAY. “Say you go in a national park and you want to study the wildlife and you want to have a stationary platform − there are some drones probably being used for that … You can put one of (these) there (in a tree) with the camera. It’s not distracting to the other birds that are around and then you can basically record the wildlife.”
Ultimately, Hassanalian said he would like to create a bird robot that can fly, swim and perch.
How do other birds react to the drones, robots?
While the research team has conducted meticulous research in order to accurately recreate different birds, in actuality, they don’t yet know how other birds would react to them. So far, the research team has only tested the drones and robots in controlled environments on New Mexico Tech’s campus, Hassanalian said.
“We know there’s a challenge that they might be attacked by other birds, but I mean, that’s a part of nature,” Hassanalian said with a laugh.
Hassanalian said his research team is looking at obtaining permission to fly the drones among real birds in non-simulated environments.
Where do the dead birds come from?
All of the birds that Hassanalian and his team use are naturally dead.
“They have all been ‘taxidermied’ by certified taxidermists. We purchase them and try to play with them,” he said. “We’re not asking a taxidermist to kill a bird and then do the taxidermy and give it to us.”
Surveillance potential
Hassanalian and his research team are only interested in studying the use of their bird-like drones to aid wildlife observation right now, but he recognizes that the technology could be used for surveillance, too.
“For future direction … types of taxidermy bird drones can be integrated for protecting the border,” Hassanalian said. “That’s another potential application. We have not been looking at that, but I’m just talking about the potential application.”
Throughout work on this project, Hassanalian has been made aware of concerns related to security and how the bird-like drones could be used for spying.
Several bird-centric conspiracy theories, like Birds Aren’t Real, have grown in popularity over the years, but Hassanalian said his research isn’t associated with any of them. Gaining traction around the COVID-19 pandemic, Birds Aren’t Real claimed that all real-life birds were replaced with “surveillance drones” in the 20th century. Despite its large following, Birds Aren’t Real was not a real conspiracy, but rather an online joke.
“I wasn’t aware of that conspiracy theory until I did this project,” Hassanalian said. “The possibility of any technology being repurposed in unintended ways is a valid concern. While our research aims to support scientific and environmental initiatives, we recognize that any technology could be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. This is why it is always crucial to have appropriate regulations, ethical guidelines and public dialogue around the development and use of drones.”
When it comes to the bird drones being used for spying, Hassanalian said it is not something he or his research team supports.
What’s next?
In addition to his work with bird drones, Hassanalian is researching the creation and implementation of dandelion-inspired drones to assist in seed dispersal.
“Bees, they are in edangered … they have a very important role in seed dispersals,” he said. “The dandelion drone we are developing, they also can be used for dispersing the seeds and bird drones can actually carry the dandelion drones in much more nature-friendly ways for seed dispersals.”
Though this implementation is still a ways out from being a reality, this research could have an impact on bee endangerment and pollination in the natural world.
Hassanalian said he also has an interest in creating and testing reptile and amphibian drones, such as lizards, frogs and snakes.
This story was updated to correct a spelling error.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
1 hour ago
Updated: May 2, 2026, 2:24 pm EDTPublished: May 2, 2026, 2:24 pm EDT
A large landspout tornado was spotted towering over north-central New Mexico on Thursday, April 30, footage shows. Other videos of landspouts were posted from the area that day.
Hikers heading into the Sandia Mountains are being reminded to never underestimate Albuquerque’s trail system after a man was found dead earlier this week along the popular La Luz Trail.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Hikers heading into the Sandia Mountains are being reminded to never underestimate Albuquerque’s trail system after a man was found dead earlier this week along the popular La Luz Trail.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man as Samuel Gurule. Authorities say there are no signs of foul play and no obvious trauma, though the investigation into his death is ongoing.
While details remain limited, officials say the tragedy is serving as an important reminder for hikers to prepare carefully before heading into the mountains.
“Respect the mountains, respect the outdoors,” said Steve LaRese with the New Mexico Search and Rescue Council. “We want to see everybody outside. Everyone deserves to be outside.”
With hiking season in full swing, trails throughout the Sandias are drawing more visitors. While the Sandia Crest remains closed, lower‑elevation routes like La Luz are open — and can appear deceptively manageable.
“It looks very obtainable and very two‑dimensional,” LaRese said. “But when you get in there, it’s a lot of rolling terrain.”
Between steep terrain, heat, elevation, and winding paths, conditions can change quickly — and it’s easy to get turned around.
“Little things turn into big things,” LaRese explained. “It’s very easy to get off the main trail and end up in a steep area or somewhere you don’t want to be.”
Search and Rescue officials say that’s why preparation is critical, even on shorter hikes.
The New Mexico Search and Rescue Council encourages hikers to over‑prepare, even if they don’t expect trouble. Recommended items include:
- A light source, even for daytime hikes
- A whistle, which can help rescuers locate you
- Plenty of water and protection from the sun
If something does go wrong, officials stress that hikers should not hesitate to call for help.
“Search and Rescue in New Mexico is free,” LaRese said. “You won’t be charged for calling 911 or for a rescue team coming out to get you off the mountain.”
As temperatures continue to rise across New Mexico, hikers are urged to listen to their bodies and avoid pushing past their limits.
“Check your heart rate. Be realistic about your physical abilities,” LaRese said. “There’s nothing wrong with hiking two miles up and saying, ‘That’s a good day,’ and heading back. The mountain will always be there.”
One final reminder for hikers planning a summit route: never assume the Sandia Tram will be operating for a ride back down.
Weather conditions or maintenance closures can leave hikers stranded — sometimes facing a long descent after dark.
Officials say preparation, awareness, and knowing when to turn around can make the difference between a great hike and a dangerous situation.
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