China unveiled a new drone that resembles a falcon, adding a feather to the cap of that quirky conspiracy theory about birds being spies.
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Footage from a recent Chinese military exercise reveals the People’s Liberation Army deploying a drone designed to resemble a falcon. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mimics the natural flapping and flight patterns of a bird, showcasing advanced capabilities.
Of course, the footage of the birdlike drone found its way to X (formerly Twitter).
In the footage, a camouflaged individual rises from a body of water holding a UAV. As it begins to flap its wings, the person launches it into the air.
Once the drone exits the frame, the footage abruptly transitions to a bird drone soaring high in the sky. However, the differing cloud cover suggests that some cinematic editing magic is clearly at work here
The video abruptly cuts to a drone soaring above the skyline on a bright, sunny day, raising concerns about again over continuity in the Chinese media footage.
The Bird Surveillance Drone is Reportedly Called ‘Little Falcon’
The People’s Liberation Army has reportedly named this drone the “Little Falcon,” designed specifically for their Marines. China claims that this drone is intended for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, alongside tasks that demand stealth, disguise, and maneuverability.
Of course, the footage of this new bird surveillance device adds fuel to the fire of the “Birds Aren’t Real” movement.
Birds Aren’t Real is a satirical conspiracy group that claims the U.S. government has eradicated all birds and replaced them with lookalike drones for surveillance. While this idea might sound completely bonkers—because it is—fans of Birds Aren’t Real know it’s all just a tongue-in-cheek conspiracy that takes flight into absurdity. Nevertheless, they persist in promoting its narrative and expanding its mythology.
Birds Aren’t Real originated in 2017 when college student Peter McIndoe, witnessing counter-protestors at a women’s march in Nashville, jokingly wrote “birds aren’t real” on cardboard. This absurd statement turned into a viral movement, with McIndoe improvising a backstory that resonated with millennials and Gen Z, who began using satirical roleplay to address misinformation.
Of course, not everyone is in on the joke. It’s not uncommon to encounter someone online or even in person who believes our feathered friends have been replaced by automation hellbent on our destruction. Armed with this footage, the tinfoil hat brigade will only be doubling down…