How to mount a bird with wings spread naturally

06 February 2022

Achieving a lifelike presentation of a bird with wings fully extended requires a delicate blend of anatomical knowledge, precise manipulation, and a deep respect for the specimen's natural posture. This guide walks you through the essential techniques required to secure the wings in a natural spread position that captures the majestic flight stance of the bird, ensuring the final mount looks as if the creature has just landed or is perched in mid-air.

Understanding the Anatomy of Flight

Before any physical manipulation begins, it is crucial to understand the complex skeletal structure that allows a bird to hold its wings in a spread position. The wing is not a single unit but a series of interlocking bones, starting with the humerus, radius, and ulna in the upper arm, leading down to the carpal bones, and finally the long, slender flight feathers known as primaries and secondaries. In a natural spread, the humerus must be pulled outward against the body, while the forearm bones angle backward to create the characteristic arc. The key to realism lies in the tension between the flexor and extensor muscles of the wing, which must be carefully manipulated to prevent the wing from collapsing inward or folding awkwardly at the joint.

Preparing the Specimen and Workspace

Once the specimen is prepared, the preparation of the workspace and the bird itself determine the success of the mounting process. Ensure the body is securely stuffed with taxidermy foam or cotton batting to provide structural support, but leave the wing joints slightly loose to allow for freedom of movement during the spreading process. The surface you work on should be a clean, flat board covered with a non-slip mat to prevent the bird from shifting while you apply tension. It is also vital to have all your tools ready, including bone pins, wire, pliers, and a variety of saws, as you will be making precise cuts to the wing bones to adjust their curvature and length.

The Process of Spreading the Wings

The actual process of spreading the wings begins with gentle but firm manipulation of the shoulder joint. You will need to pull the humerus outward, away from the body, while simultaneously supporting the weight of the wing to avoid breaking the delicate bones. As you push the arm out, you will need to angle the radius and ulna backward, creating the characteristic arc seen in many raptors and songbirds. This requires patience and a steady hand; rushing the process often results in unnatural angles or breakage. You may need to make small, strategic cuts to the carpal bones to allow the joint to bend into the desired position without cracking.

Adjusting the Feather Arrangement

With the skeletal structure of the wing in place, the next critical step is arranging the feathers to mimic natural wear and flight patterns. In a truly natural spread, the primary feathers often show slight splaying or unevenness, rather than looking perfectly uniform and pristine. You must carefully bend the individual feathers to create this organic look, ensuring that the longest primaries extend slightly beyond the shorter secondaries. Use a pair of fine-tipped pliers to gently curl the feather tips, adding texture and depth to the wing. Avoid over-rigging the feathers, as this can make the wing look stiff and artificial. The goal is to create a sense of movement, as if the wings were caught in a gentle breeze or were just released from flight.

Securing the Final Position

Once the wings are spread and the feathers are arranged, it is time to permanently secure the position. This involves inserting carefully placed bone pins through the wing joints and into the body to lock the bones in their new configuration. The placement of these pins must be invisible from the front view but strong enough to withstand the natural settling of the feathers over time. Some artists choose to use a combination of pins and wire to distribute the pressure across multiple points of the wing, ensuring stability.

To achieve the most authentic result, follow these critical steps during the final locking phase:

Insert the primary bone pins deep enough to anchor firmly into the humerus and carpal bones.
Apply a thin, even layer of specialized taxidermy glue to the base of the feathers to ensure they do not shift.
Use a soft cloth to gently press the feather arrangement into place without crushing the delicate structures.
Allow the specimen to rest undisturbed for at least six hours to let the adhesives begin to cure.
Inspect the underside of the wings for any exposed bone or wire that may need cosmetic covering.

After the pins are inserted, apply a light layer of glue to the feather bases to prevent them from shifting during the drying process. Finally, allow the bird to rest for several hours before inspecting the work for any minor adjustments needed to perfect the natural look.

Realistic Wildlife Taxidermy

Marcus Thomas