Bird Detection Technology
Bird Mode automatically adjusts gain for seabird detection, aiding in locating fish during recreational fishing.
What is Bird Detection Technology?
Furuno's Bird Mode is a technology that detects birds congregating around fish schools of fish near the surface.
Furuno's Bird Detection Technology identifies birds gathering around fish schools near the surface by automatically adjusting the gain & sea settings for optimal visibility.
By considering the birds' flight patterns and altitude, a single bird can be targeted and tracked on the radar screen.
Additionally, by integrating this information with the echo trail technology, the bird's path can be predicted.
FURUNO TECHNOLOGY
How does Bird Mode work?
We track distant sea birds clustered around a fish school
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Birds detected by the Radar
In 1986, Furuno introduced a tool specifically crafted for professional fishermen, marking the first occasion a device was dedicated to detecting seabirds. This technology utilized high-power radio waves to reach distances of up to 20 nautical miles—far beyond the capability of binoculars—and was based on the understanding that fish often gather beneath bird flocks.
Senior Engineer
at Furuno
"We take great pride in integrating advanced technologies from our professional line into our recreational products. A prime example of this is our 'Bird Mode' feature, originally designed for fishing vessels. This approach ensures that our recreational customers benefit from the same cutting-edge innovations that professionals rely on, providing them with superior performance and functionality on the water."

Echo of seabirds captured by a S band radar (16 NM range)

Echo of seabirds captured by an X-band radar with the Bird Mode

Real time video camera monitoring integrated into the satellite view
Essential to prevent accidents and ensure safe berthing and efficient transportation of passengers and goods.

Radar echoes displayed on the map
To safeguard fragile ecosystems and combat illegal fishing, unauthorized anchoring, or other threats to marine protected areas.
Radar - High - Definition Digital Vision For Your Boat, Ensuring the safety of your voyage
Discover the latest in maritime safety and comfort with Furuno's advanced radar technology. Wheter you're navigating through calm waters or facing challenging conditions, Furuno's radars are designed to ensure your journey is secure. Equip your vessel with a radard that provides critical visibility and protection against potential hazards. Explore the innovative technologies that make Furuno radars a trusted choice for seafarers worldwide.

Myth: Bird targets are not reflected on Radar
Historically, it was widely assumed that birds were invisible to radar. However, Furuno identified radar echoes indicating bird presence using an S-Band radar on a merchant vessel. This discovery prompted Furuno to create S-Band Radars for fishing boats, enhancing their ability to locate seabirds. Today, this 'Seabird detection' technology, which identifies far-off seabirds, is essential and extensively employed in both commercial and recreational fishing.
Bird Mode, a seabird detection technology for the recreational market
Utilizing the expertise gained from developing products for the fishing market, an automatic gain adjustment known as "Bird Mode" was developed specifically for seabird detection and incorporated into X-Band Radars for the recreational sector. These recreational X-Band Radars are ideal for detecting birds at short to medium ranges, offering new opportunities for those who fish for migratory species.
Understanding Bird Mode in Furuno radars
Products employing this radar technology
These radars were developed to enhance visibility by detecting birds moving around a school of fish.


Line of sight of a Radar
Radar waves propagate along Earth's surface, but due to diffraction effect, these waves propagate in a slightly curved manner. The degree of diffraction is determined by many factors including atmosphere density. In general, the diffraction curve allows the wave to go beyond the line-of-sight by about 6%
D=2.2(√H1 + √H2)
D: Radar line-of-sight (NM)
H1: Altitude at which the Radar is installed (m)
H2:Altitude of the object reverberating the signal (m)
RADAR PRODUCTS
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RADAR
Our radars deliver accurate images and reliability in all environments, combining superior performance with durability against harsh conditions.
SONAR
Our sonar technologies offer unparalleled accuracy and sustainability, ensuring optimal performance and eco-friendly practices for all fishing vessels.
FISH FINDER
Furuno's fish finder technologies have revolutionized fishing, offering unparalleled accuracy and reliability since their inception.
AUTOPILOT
Furuno's autopilot technologies enhance navigation safety and precision through advanced algorithms, real-time adjustments, and user-friendly interfaces.
CHARTPLOTTER
Our chartplotter technologies enhance maritime safety and simplify navigation by providing real-time data, precise positioning, and the best marine charts.
USER INTERFACE
User interface technologies simplify marine instrument operation, enhancing navigation efficiency and safety with intuitive, user-friendly controls.
ACCESORIES
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1815
€120
VAT Included (20%)

1815
€120
VAT Included (20%)

1815
€120
VAT Included (20%)

1815
€120
VAT Included (20%)

1815
€120
VAT Included (20%)

1815
€120
VAT Included (20%)