Mist net

A mist net

Mist nets are used by ornithologists and bat biologists to capture wild birds and bats for banding or other research projects. Mist nets are typically made of nylon mesh suspended between two poles, resembling an oversized volleyball net. When properly deployed, the nets are virtually invisible. The grid size of the mesh netting varies according to the size of the species targeted for capture. Net dimensions are approximately 1–2 m high by 6–15 m long.

A small passerine captured in a mist net

If used by trained personnel, mist netting is an efficient method of capturing flying animals, and accomplishing this with a low risk of incidental injury. An animal caught in a mist net will become entangled, so the net must be checked often and the animal removed promptly. Disentangling an animal from a mist net can be difficult and must be done carefully by trained personnel. If an animal is heavily tangled the mist net may need to be cut to avoid injuring the animal. In the United States, federal and state permits are required to capture wild animals with mist nets.

Despite mist net's common usage very little research had been done into their effects on their relative safety. A recent article found them to be a low cause of injury while providing high scientific value^[1].

A dho-gaza is a type of mist net used for larger birds, such as raptors.

A female Brown-headed Cowbird being removed from a mist net.

See also

• Bal-chatri traps to catch birds of prey (raptors)

References

1. ^ Spotswood, E. (2011). "How safe is mist netting? evaluating the risk of injury and mortality to birds". Methods in Ecology and Evolution. doi:10.1111/j.2041-210X.2011.00123.x. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2041-210X.2011.00123.x/full. Retrieved 2011-10-07. 

External links

• North American Banding Council