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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.03.27.485678

3D-printed decoys are as effective as taxidermied decoys in attracting red-breasted sapsuckers for mist-netting

Natola, L.·Tousley, F.
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Abstract

Decoys often improve targeted mist-netting efforts by drawing the species of interest to a specific area nearer the net. Traditional decoy constructions include taxidermied carcasses, hand-made wood or clay figures, or professionally made products purchased from companies that provide a limited number of species, sizes, shapes, and markings. 3D-printing allows ornithologists to customize decoys to their own study species specifications using cheap, durable, and replaceable materials. We show that red-breasted sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus ruber ruber) respond with equivocal aggression towards 3D-printed decoys and taxidermied decoys, demonstrating 3D-printed decoys as an effective tool in attracting birds towards a mist net for capture.

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Natola, L., Tousley, F.. 2022-03-27. 3D-printed decoys are as effective as taxidermied decoys in attracting red-breasted sapsuckers for mist-netting. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.03.27.485678

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