Jg. Burns et Sl. Wardrop, The Veloci-Raptor: A bicycle-powered model raptor for realistic predator encounter experiments, J FIELD ORN, 72(3), 2001, pp. 399-403
Raptor attacks in the wild can be difficult to observe and impossible to ma
nipulate in a repeatable manner. We have developed a bicycle-driven model r
aptor ("Veloci-Raptor") to test prey responses to raptor attacks. Previous
researchers have used wind-up toy birds or gravity-driven model raptors, wh
ich typically have low maximum velocities and often require cumbersome equi
pment. Our method's combination of portability, flexibility, and high maxim
um speed (19.4 m/s) make it superior to previous methods in many field situ
ations.