Anisca Bird | octanis.ch

How it works

Anisca Bird replaces the usual roosting place with a weighing and tracking device and can be used with owls, eagles, pigeons, chickens and any other bird that can be ringed.

Attach passive RFID tag to bird. No batteries and very lightweight.

Replace perch with Anisca Bird. Weight will be measured when the bird lands.

View real time data in cloud database or transfer offline using a USB cable.

Background

As part of my research on the effects of landscape quality on barn owl fitness, it became increasingly clear that we should look at the whole annual cycle. Therefore, we looked for a way to extend our research, which until then was mainly limited to the breeding season, to the whole annual cycle. Since the barn owls stay in the breeding area all year round and also visit the nest boxes outside the breeding season, the idea arose to equip the owls with transponder rings, which are then read as soon as the owl sits on a perch attached to the entrance hole of the nest box. At the same time, the perch serves as a scale so that the owl's body weight can be registered. With Raffael and Sam from Octanis I found ideal partners to develop this system.

Dr. Bettina Almasi, Swiss Ornithological Institute

Features

Weight resolution of 1g

Precise calibration allows the system to measured weights with a resolution down to 1g. Weight measurement is done upon detection of an RFID tag for a duration of up to 30 seconds. A standard deviation and a mean weight is computed and stored.

Built-in RFID reader

Anisca automatically reads standard animal PIT tags. You can use any passive RFID tag supported by the EM4095 reader chip like ISO11784 or ISO11785. We can supply bird rings in various diameters that include a compatible RFID tag.

Long battery life

With the external battery case, containing four premium rechargeable NiMH batteries, you can have up to a year of battery life! Just charge up the batteries and you're good to go! A 1.5m long cable gives you the freedom to place the weather resistant case anywhere you want.

Wireless data transmission

An XBee compatible radio module enables Anisca to upload all collected data to the cloud database. Anisca uses the SigFox network which is an inexpensive, reliable, low-power solution to connect sensors and devices. All data is also stored in on board memory and a USB-C port allows easy data transfer using an app.

Onboard memory for up to 18 years of data

Anisca Bird has onboard storage that can store up to 18 years of weight records. We have optimised the way we record data so that you don't have to worry about saving space. To read the memory, you can use a USB connection to a PC or Android phone.

Modular build

Anisca is designed to be modular for easy and quick modifications and repairs. If any parts or components on the device need to be replaced or repurposed, the process is simple and straightforward. Video instructions document the assembly process.

What's included?

1x Anisca Bird Reader

Reads RFID tags at 125 kHz
High quality 4 kg load cell by Zemic for weight measurement
Water resistant aluminium case
868 MHz antenna for Sigfox connectivity
Attaches with two screws to the wall

1x Anisca Bird Perch (ø14cm)

Varnished plywood perch
Integrated 125kHz RFID antenna with up to 10cm reading range
IP67 rated M8 cable
Attaches easily to the Anisca Bird Reader with just 2x M8 screws

1x Anisca Battery Box (incl. 4 NiMH Premium Batteries)

1.5 meter long IP67 rated cable with M8 connector
Four 10Ah NiMH D cells provide enough energy for up to 1 year battery life
Easy to access USB port for data transfer and updates
Buzzer and LED for status and calibration indication

Where can I get Anisca?

You can request a quote below. Please let us know how many devices you need and when you would like to install them.

Anisca can be used to monitor a wide range of birds indoors and outdoors. We can provide a custom configuration for every scenario including adapting the perch size, diameter and shape. We will be very happy to provide you with more information on timeline and costs.

Request a quote

Documentation & Support