Mist net

Mist nets are used by ornithologists to capture wild birds for banding or other research projects. The mesh net is typically made of nylon and resembles an oversized volleyball net. When properly deployed, the nets are are virtually invisible. The grid size of the mesh netting varies according to the size of the avian species targeted for capture. Net dimensions are approximately 1-1.5 m high by 6-12 m long. If used by trained personnel, mist netting is an efficient method of capturing wild birds in flight while posing minimal risk of incidental injury to entrapped birds. In the United States, federal and state permits are required to capture wild birds with mist nets.