Anisca Bird
Smart bird scale
Capturing and measuring birds in the wild is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and a disturbance to the animals. With the Anisca system developed by Octanis in collaboration with the Swiss Ornithological Institute, the bird's identity and body weight can be registered stress-free throughout the year.
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.
Tag
Attach passive RFID tag to bird. No batteries and very lightweight.
Measure
Replace perch with Anisca Bird. Weight is measured when the bird lands.
Analyse
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."
Read more about the Barn Owl project
Features
Weight resolution of 1 g
Precise calibration allows the system to measure weights with a resolution down to 1 g. 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 RFID tags. You can use any passive EM4100 RFID tag/chip. 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 1.5 m 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, an inexpensive, reliable, low-power solution to connect sensors and devices. All data is also stored in onboard 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 instructionsWhat's included?
1× 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
1× Anisca Bird Perch (ø 14 cm)
- •Varnished plywood perch
- •Integrated 125 kHz RFID antenna with up to 10 cm reading range
- •IP67 rated M8 cable
- •Attaches to the Reader with 2× M8 screws
1× Anisca Battery Box (incl. 4 NiMH batteries)
- •1.5 m long IP67 rated cable with M8 connector
- •Four 10 Ah NiMH D cells, 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.
Request a quote
Documentation & Support
