A 1975 CIA memorandum titled “Bird Camera Program” outlines a classified push to develop and test miniature surveillance cameras mounted on birds.
This was part of a broader effort to achieve low-altitude photography over sensitive sites without using traditional aircraft or satellites.
The goal: train birds to fly photographic reconnaissance missions with pinpoint targeting and return capability.
🎥 Upgraded Optics for Winged Agents
Early tests showed that existing bird-mounted cameras suffered from poor image quality due to slow shutter speeds.
The CIA decided to:
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Upgrade camera shutters to operate faster and avoid motion blur.
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Use external battery packs for more consistent power delivery.
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Develop new lenses with wider apertures to capture clearer images at speed.
Two modified cameras were scheduled for mid-January 1976 test flights. The plan included photographing Air Force resolution charts to calibrate the relationship between bird flight patterns and image clarity.
✈️ Simulated Test Flights
The tests were structured to reflect mission conditions as closely as possible:
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Cameras mounted to trained birds would fly over simulated target areas.
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Birds would wear new aerodynamic harnesses and redesigned camera fairings.
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The entire system was expected to capture up to 180 photos over three minutes, using 16mm film.
This would create a strip of overlapping images for ground analysis-similar to traditional aerial mapping.
🔧 Tech Development Timeline
To meet their deadlines, the program outlined key deliverables:
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Build and test new low F-number lenses
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Design and manufacture harnesses and camera housings
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Procure film cassettes and batteries
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Conduct mechanical shake tests and resolution tests
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Perform flight analog simulations to mimic real-world conditions
All components were scheduled for delivery and review by April 1976.
🎞️ Operational Planning
The memo suggested securing a support contract of $30,000 for materials, testing, and rapid film processing.
The film would be loaded and handled in a clean room, to prevent contamination or camera jamming.
High-speed development was essential: movie cameras were recommended to document both ground and flight tests for later analysis.
