Realistic Wildlife Taxidermy

Marcus Thomas

Step-by-step guide to mounting a crow or raven in flight

Capturing the majestic yet mischievous nature of crows and ravens in flight requires not only artistic skill but a deep understanding of avian anatomy and the physics of soaring. As we prepare to preserve these intelligent birds in mid-air, our focus shifts from simple preparation to the delicate art of rigging wings and tail to mimic natural motion. This process demands patience and precision, ensuring that the final mount appears as if the bird is suspended in the air long after it has taken its final breath. By following these expert techniques, we can transform a preserved specimen into a dynamic piece of wildlife art that brings life to any taxidermy display.

Preparing the Specimen for Suspension

Before we can ever attempt to mount the bird in flight, the physical state of the specimen must be absolutely correct. The bird must be fully stuffed with high-quality cotton or wool to achieve proper volume, ensuring that the muscles are defined and the silhouette is accurate. Once stuffed, the bird must be air-dried thoroughly, which usually takes several weeks, until the skin feels slightly stiff but not brittle. Only after the bird is completely dry can we begin the intricate work of rigging. It is crucial to remove all internal feathers and excess fat to reduce weight, as a heavier bird will be difficult to balance in the air. We also need to carefully shape the head, tail, and wings to ensure they are in their natural resting position before we alter them.

Selecting the Correct Materials and Tools

To successfully rig a crow or raven for flight, you will need specific tools designed for taxidermy rigging. We typically use stainless steel wires, such as 22-gauge or 24-gauge, for the stronger structural elements like the wing spines and tail. Softer wires, like 26-gauge or 28-gauge, are better suited for delicate areas like the primary feathers and the edges of the wings. Additionally, you will require strong thread, such as monofilament or heavy-duty polyester thread, to tie the wire to the skin and secure the rigging in place. It is also helpful to have a pair of sharp scissors, a bone saw if necessary for adjusting the sternum, and a vice to hold the bird steady during the process. Having the right materials ensures a smooth workflow and prevents damage to the delicate skin and feathers of the bird.

Rigging the Wings for Realistic Motion

The most critical aspect of mounting a bird in flight is rigging the wings so they curve naturally, mimicking the shape of a bird in mid-soar. We begin by inserting the wire through the wing bones, starting from the shoulder joint and working down to the tail. The wire should be bent slightly to follow the contour of the wing, creating a gentle arch that suggests the bird is pulling up or diving. When attaching the wire to the skin, we use small knots and twists to secure it without damaging the feathers underneath. For crows and ravens, which often have a more outstretched wing posture, we may need to extend the rigging further back to create that characteristic sweep. The key is to make the wire movement subtle; if the wire is too tight, the wing will look stiff, and if it is too loose, the bird will appear to be flapping. We adjust the wire tension frequently, checking the silhouette from different angles to ensure the wing looks aerodynamic and alive.

  1. Insert the primary wire through the carpal joint and curve it upwards.
  2. Secure the wire to the humerus and femur using small, tight knots.
  3. Check the wing curve from above, side, and below to ensure symmetry.
  4. Trim any excess wire that protrudes beyond the wing tip.
  5. Test the flexibility of the wing by gently shaking the bird to ensure it moves naturally.

Balancing the Body and Tail Structure

Once the wings are rigged, we must address the body and tail to complete the illusion of flight. The body should be slightly curved, with the chest lifted and the abdomen hanging naturally to give the bird a sense of forward momentum. We use wire in the back of the body to support the curve, ensuring the bird does not droop awkwardly. The tail is then rigged similarly to the wings, but with a focus on the spread of the tail feathers. A V-shaped tail suggests a dive, while a more rounded tail suggests a glide. We carefully bend the tail wire to match the chosen flight posture, making sure the tail feathers are evenly spaced and not clumped together. This step is vital for achieving a balanced appearance, as the center of gravity must be correctly positioned so that the bird looks stable in the air.

Final Adjustments and Display Positioning

The final stage involves fine-tuning the mount and positioning it for display. We step back and assess the overall posture, making any minor adjustments to the wire tension or feather placement. We might trim excess wire or add small pieces of wire to enhance the curve of the wings or the sweep of the tail. Once the rigging is perfect, we cover the bird with its natural feathers, ensuring that the skin is hidden but the feather structure supports the wire. The bird is then placed in the display case or on a stand, oriented so that the head is level and the wings are fully extended. A well-mounted crow or raven in flight can appear almost hypnotic, capturing a fleeting moment of freedom that celebrates the enduring spirit of these remarkable creatures. With careful attention to detail, every mount becomes a testament to the skill of the taxidermist and the beauty of the wild bird.

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