Building An Ornithopter, Canada

In the 1930s, Erich von Holst carried the rubber band powered bird model to a high state development and great realism. Also in the 1930s, Alexander Lippisch and other researchers in Germany harnessed the piston internal combustion engine.
Manned ornithopters fall into two general categories: Those powered by the muscular effort the pilot (human-powered ornithopters), and those powered by an engine.
Practical applications capitalize on the resemblance to birds or insects. The Colorado Division Wildlife has used these machines to help save the endangered Gunnison Sage Grouse. An artificial hawk under the control an operator causes the grouse to remain on the ground so they can be captured for study.