Gather Tools and Materials:
For small birds, the tools required are similar to those for medium birds but with adjustments for size:

• Fine-tipped scissors

• Small scalpel or craft knife

• Forceps or tweezers

• Needle and fine thread

• Thin wire (e.g., 22–24 gauge)

• Borax or a similar preservative

• Cotton or soft synthetic stuffing

• Clay for shaping small details

• Small artificial eyes

Choose and Store the Specimen:
Select a bird in good condition, with intact feathers and minimal damage. If needed, freeze the bird until you're ready to begin.

Set Up the Workspace:
Ensure a clean, well-lit, and ventilated area. Use gloves to maintain hygiene and avoid damaging the delicate bird skin.

Position the Bird:
Lay the bird on its back on a soft surface, like a foam pad. Gently spread its wings and legs for access.

Make the Incision:
Use a small scalpel to make a careful incision along the midline of the breast, from the base of the neck to the vent. Avoid cutting into the underlying muscles or organs.

Separate the Skin:
Slowly peel back the skin using forceps and your fingers, working around the wings, legs, and tail. For small birds, take extra care to avoid tearing the delicate skin.

Detach Limbs and Head:

• Cut the legs and wings at the joints, keeping the skin attached.

• For the head, gently invert the skin to expose the skull while preserving the feathered exterior.

Clean the Skull:
Remove the brain and any flesh from the skull using fine tools. If the beak is exposed, clean it thoroughly.

Preserve the Skin:
Apply borax or another preservative to the inner side of the skin to prevent decomposition.

Prepare Feathers:
Clean any soiled feathers gently with a damp cloth, ensuring they stay aligned and undamaged.

Create a Body Form:
Sculpt a small, lightweight body shape using soft cotton or foam to match the bird’s natural proportions.

Insert Wires:

• Place thin wires into the legs and wings for structural support.

• Insert a wire along the neck to support the head and attach it to the body form.

Reattach the Skin:
Stretch the preserved skin over the artificial body, aligning it carefully with the original anatomy. Use fine needle and thread to sew the incision closed.

Add Eyes and Details:
Place small artificial eyes into the sockets, using clay or glue for secure placement. Adjust the feathers to create a lifelike appearance.

Set the Pose:
Position the bird in a natural posture. For small birds, common poses include perching or flying. Use wires to secure it to a perch or base.

Allow to Dry:
Place the mounted bird in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Drying typically takes one to two weeks. Check periodically to ensure the skin is drying evenly.

Final Touches:
After the bird has dried completely, clean the feathers gently and make any necessary adjustments. Spray the bird lightly with alcohol to disinfect.

Gather Supplies:
Collect necessary tools such as:

• Scalpel or sharp knife

• Scissors

• Forceps

• Needle and thread

• Wire (for shaping and support)

• Taxidermy clay

• Cotton or synthetic stuffing

• Disinfectant spray (e.g., alcohol)

• Borax or a similar preservative

• Artificial eyes

Select and Store the Bird:
Choose a specimen in good condition with minimal damage. If you cannot work immediately, freeze the bird to preserve its appearance and prevent decomposition.

Set Up the Workspace:
Work in a well-ventilated area with good lighting. Use protective gloves and maintain cleanliness throughout the process.

Position the Bird:
Lay the bird on its back. Gently spread the wings and legs to expose the body.

Make the Incision:
Using a scalpel, make a straight incision along the midline of the breastbone, from the base of the neck to the vent. Be cautious not to cut too deeply and damage internal organs or feathers.

Remove the Skin:
Carefully separate the skin from the body, using your fingers and forceps. Work slowly around the wings, legs, and tail. Take extra care to avoid tearing the skin.

Detach the Head and Limbs:

• Cut through the neck to free the head, leaving the skull intact.

• Remove the legs and wings at the joints while preserving the skin attached to them.

Clean the Skull:
Remove the brain and flesh from the skull using forceps. If the beak will be visible, clean it thoroughly as well.

Preserve the Skin:
Sprinkle borax or another preservative generously on the skin’s inner side to prevent decay and deter pests.

Prepare the Feathers:
Gently clean the feathers with a damp cloth if necessary, ensuring they remain aligned and undamaged.

Create a Body Form:
Sculpt a body shape using wood wool, foam, or clay to match the bird’s natural size.

Wire the Limbs and Wings:
Insert wires into the legs, wings, and neck for support. These will hold the bird in a lifelike pose.

Attach the Skin:
Stretch the preserved skin over the artificial body. Sew the incision made during skinning with a needle and thread.

Add Eyes and Final Details:
Place artificial eyes into the sockets. Use clay or glue for a secure fit. Adjust feathers and wings for a realistic appearance.

Position the Bird:
Arrange the bird in the desired pose. Secure it to a perch or base using wires or glue.

Allow to Dry:
Place the mounted bird in a cool, dry, and dark area to dry. Drying may take weeks, depending on humidity levels. Check periodically to ensure the skin remains intact and the pose holds.

Final Touches:
After drying, clean the feathers and make final adjustments. Spray the bird lightly with alcohol for disinfection.

Gather Tools and Materials:
Due to the size of large birds, the tools and materials required will be more robust:

• Heavy-duty scalpel or skinning knife

• Large scissors or shears

• Forceps and sturdy tweezers

• Needle and strong thread or sinew

• Thick wire (e.g., 8–12 gauge for support)

• Foam or wood for body forms

• Plaster or epoxy for reinforcement

• Borax or a similar preservative

• Artificial eyes and epoxy clay for sculpting fine details

Select and Store the Specimen:
Ensure the bird is in good condition. If immediate work is not possible, freeze the bird to prevent decomposition.

Set Up the Workspace:
Work in a large, clean, and ventilated space. Use gloves to maintain hygiene and handle the bird more effectively.

Position the Bird:
Lay the bird on a large, stable surface. Ensure the wings and legs are spread out for easier access.

Make the Initial Incision:
Use a scalpel or knife to make a long incision along the midline of the bird’s chest, from the base of the neck to the vent. For large birds, this incision needs to be deep enough to access the thick skin but not so deep as to puncture internal organs.

Separate the Skin:
Work slowly to separate the skin from the body using your hands and tools. Large birds often have tougher skin, which can make this step easier but more physically demanding.

Detach the Limbs and Head:

• Cut through the joints to remove the legs and wings, preserving the skin attached to them.

• Remove the head, keeping the skull intact for cleaning and mounting.

Clean the Skull:
Use forceps to remove flesh, brain tissue, and other materials from the skull. For large beaks, ensure the structure is cleaned thoroughly and reinforced with plaster or epoxy if necessary.

Preserve the Skin:
Apply a liberal amount of borax or preservative powder to the inner side of the skin. This is especially crucial for large birds, as their thicker skin can take longer to dry.

Prepare the Feathers:
Clean soiled feathers carefully with a damp cloth or feather duster, maintaining their alignment.

Create a Body Form:
For large birds, carve a body form out of dense foam or wood. Alternatively, use wire and plaster to build a strong, lightweight structure matching the bird’s natural anatomy.

Insert the Wires:

• Use thick wires to reinforce the legs, wings, and neck.

• Anchor the wires securely into the body form to support the bird’s weight.

Attach the Skin:
Stretch the preserved skin over the artificial body. Due to the size, work in sections, ensuring the skin fits snugly. Sew the incision closed using strong thread.

Add Details:
Place artificial eyes into the skull sockets, using clay or epoxy for a secure fit. Sculpt fine details like eyelids with epoxy clay for a lifelike appearance.

Pose the Bird:
Large birds often require sturdy bases to support their weight. Use wires and screws to secure the bird to a perch, stand, or display base. Arrange the wings, legs, and neck in a natural pose.

Allow to Dry:
Drying large birds can take weeks to months, depending on the size and conditions. Place the mount in a cool, dry, and ventilated area. Periodically check for any signs of shrinkage or movement in the pose.

Final Adjustments:
Once fully dried, clean the feathers again and make any necessary adjustments to the pose. Spray the bird lightly with alcohol for disinfection and apply any finishing touches.