Taxidermy refers to the art of preserving an animal’s body via mounting or stuffing for the purpose of display or study. Birds are a popular choice for taxidermy thanks to their beautiful plumage and diverse species. When considering what birds can be used for taxidermy, the main factors are the bird’s size, legal status, and feasibility of preservation.
What Are the Size Requirements?
When it comes to taxidermy, the size of the bird is an important factor. Very small birds, such as hummingbirds, can be incredibly challenging to preserve well due to their tiny size and delicate features. Larger birds are usually better choices for beginner to intermediate taxidermists. Some good starter birds are pheasants, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Large birds like swans and peacocks are impressive but can also be difficult for novices. A medium-sized bird, such as a crow or hawk, is a good compromise between modest size and vivid features. Ultimately, it depends on the skill level of the taxidermist. Experts may be comfortable with tiny hummingbirds, while beginners will find more success with larger fowl.
Legal Restrictions
In many areas, there are legal restrictions on which birds can be hunted, killed, or possessed. Taxidermists must comply with all federal, state, and local laws regarding protected species. In the United States, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) federally protects over 1000 species of birds, spread over most native bird families. Protected migratory birds like cardinals, blue jays, eagles, hawks, and owls cannot be hunted, killed, or taxidermied without special permits. Other birds may be protected under state or municipal laws as well. Beyond legality, taxidermists may opt not to work with sensitive species like endangered condors or trumpeter swans for ethical reasons. Thorough research is necessary to ensure the legal and ethical use of any bird for taxidermy.
Feasibility of Preservation
Even if a bird is abundant and legal to acquire, its physical attributes may make it unsuitable for taxidermy. Waterfowl like ducks have water-resistant feathers that are difficult to preserve well. Birds of prey may have very thin skin that tears easily during the skinning process. Seabirds and other aquatic birds have delicate feathers unsuited to stuffing and mounting. For the highest quality results, most taxidermists recommend sticking to terrestrial birds like game fowl, corvids, doves, quail, and turkeys. Their thicker skin and firm, smooth feathers preserve very well. Exotic species like parrots, though beautiful, are often not feasible for beginners due to their unique anatomy. When selecting a bird for taxidermy, common game birds are a reliable choice both for legal simplicity and preservation quality.
Recommended Birds for Beginners
For novice taxidermists looking to get started, here are some of the best bird species to practice with:
– Pheasants: Beautiful game birds with long, vibrant tail feathers. Their large size makes the skinning and stuffing more manageable.
– Chickens: Farm-raised chickens are perfectly legal and easy to acquire. Their full breasts provide good volume.
– Doves: Smaller than chickens but larger than quail, with smooth gray feathers. Their cooing calls can be replicated for added realism.
– Quail: Tiny game birds, often farm-raised. Practice skinning and delicate detailing on these petite fowl.
– Turkeys: Another farm favorite, these large birds are readily available. Their iridescent feathers shimmer impressively.
– Crows: All-black corvids with neat feathers; abundant as roadkill specimens. Excellent starter birds before tackling raptors.
– Cardinals: Males have bright red plumage, making a striking display. Note: may be protected so verify legality.
– Jays: Dramatic blue and black feathers on these corvids. Steller’s jays and blue jays make excellent taxidermy projects.
Obtaining Birds Legally
For legal and ethical purposes, domestic farm birds or non-protected game species are the best options for beginners to obtain and use for taxidermy. Here are some recommended methods of sourcing birds:
– Purchase farm-raised fowl like chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys from agricultural supply retailers or direct from local farms.
– Hunt wild game birds legally during open seasons with proper permits and tags.
– Use salvaged specimens of legal species when found as fresh roadkill or casualties.
– Obtain nuisance birds like pigeons or European starlings from animal control departments.
– Check with zoos, sanctuaries, or veterinarians for deceased exotic birds if taxidermy is allowed by permit.
– Join taxidermy trading networks to exchange legally obtained frozen specimens.
When seeking any protected species, ensure every necessary permit and license is secured beforehand. Ethically sourced birds will ensure the taxidermy craft remains sustainable and respects both wildlife laws and the animals themselves.
Preparing the Birds
Once acquired, the birds need proper handling to optimize them for preservation. Here are some tips:
– Freeze any specimens not being immediately taxidermied to prevent decay.
– Thaw frozen birds fully in the refrigerator before beginning work.
– Wash feathers gently with non-degreasing dish soap if the bird is soiled. Avoid over-washing.
– Use borax powder or cornmeal to dry the plumage thoroughly before skinning.
– Fluff and arrange feathers neatly in natural positions.
– Carefully remove all internal organs to prevent later decay and odors.
– Treat the skin with products like salt and alum to dry, preserve, and protect it.
Proper handling and treatment will provide the cleanest, most lifelike bird taxidermy results.
Skinning and Mounting Techniques
For excellent bird taxidermy, the right techniques are key during the skinning and mounting processes. Here are some tips and tricks:
Skinning
– Use sharp, thin blades to cut precisely along anatomical joints.
– Detach the skin carefully starting under the breast and working up towards the wings.
– Peel the skin gently away from the torso in one unified piece if possible.
– Leave wings, head, tail, and feet attached to the skin during removal.
– Scrape remaining tissue from the inside of the skin without puncturing it.
– Treat the inside of the skin with preserving chemicals like borax.
Mounting
– Select a mounting method: standing, flying, or full-body. Different poses need distinct preparations.
– For standing mounts, use wire and wooden bases to achieve an upright posture.
– Flying mounts use wing-spreading armatures and often an angled base.
– Full-body mounts necessitate fully detailed manikins overlaid with the preserved skin.
– Insert supporting wires into wings, head, and tail for proper positioning.
– Stuff the skin carefully using clay or foam to recreate natural muscle contours.
– Artfully arrange every feather into its proper area and orientation.
– Use real or artificial glass eyes to restore lifelike gazes. Secure them well.
– Craft natural-looking feet and beaks to further enhance realism. Paint details like scales and nails.
With practice and precision, flawlessly lifelike results are achievable. Study reference photos or videos of the bird in motion to inform optimal positioning.
Drying and Curing
After stuffing the skin, the mounted bird needs proper drying and curing to successfully complete the preservation:
– Allow the mount to air dry thoroughly before applying final chemicals. A fan can speed up drying.
– Once desiccated, use products like varnish or epoxy to harden and protect the skin. Multiple coats may be needed.
– Display the finished taxidermy in a climate-controlled space protected from humidity, direct sunlight, dust, and insects.
– Periodically groom feathers and redo preservative coatings to maintain the bird in peak condition.
– Repair any damage promptly, resecuring eyes, beak, wings, or feathers as needed.
With some maintenance and care, skillfully taxidermied birds can retain their lifelike realism for decades or longer.
Creating Habitat Dioramas
For exciting focal displays, many taxidermists create elaborate habitat dioramas showcasing their mounted birds in nature settings. Here are some habitat ideas:
– Forests featuring woodland species like wild turkeys, grouse, quail, or cardinals. Recreate trees, rocks, and underbrush with fabricated or natural materials.
– Wetlands for waterfowl including vibrant ducks, geese, and swans. Imitate reeds, water, grasses, and other aquatic features.
– Cliffs and deserts can frame soaring birds like hawks, eagles, and falcons. Add appropriate plants and landforms.
– Nests can provide contexts for delicate eggs or fledglings. Hollow logs, tree branches, rocky crevices, and grassy cup nests are options.
– Fanciful perches flaunt colorful tropical birds like parrots, toucans, and macaws. Incorporate hanging fruits, flowers, and vines.
With creative compositions, any environment can be conjured to complement and accentuate gorgeously preserved birds.
Conclusion
Taxidermy can memorialize nature’s flying beauties for decades while also supporting in-depth study of avian anatomy. Selecting appropriate and legal bird species, employing proper preparation and mounting techniques, and crafting artistic habitat displays will allow beginners to successfully create high quality bird taxidermy worthy of collection, exhibition, and appreciation. With caution and care for both wildlife laws and the animals themselves, the ancient art of taxidermy can continue cherishing and celebrating the endlessly diversifying grandeur of birds for generations to come. What bird will you immortalize next in feathery flight?