Building An Ornithopter, Canada

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.
Because ornithopters resemble birds or insects, they could be used for military applications, such as spying without alerting the enemies that they are under surveillance. AeroVironment, Inc., led by Paul B. MacCready (Gossamer Albatross), has developed a remotely piloted ornithopter the size a large insect for possible spy missions.
Hobbyists can build and fly their own ornithopters. These range from light-weight models powered by rubber band, to larger models with radio control.