Where to look for a mechanical bird model?

Projects Discussion and Showcase Robotics
1

Sorry about subject.

What I mean is, is it easier to fashion a 'on the shoulder' bird to animate with servos by trying to build the framework from scratch, or to find a wireframe (or similar) that may be for another purpose? Where would you even look?

I'm trying to figure out if I can actually pull off a robotic shoulder-top bird with a body that turns (think torso, 180deg), and a head that turns (think 180-270 deg). It's not the servos I'm struggling with, but the 'body' of the robot itself.

Have you ever seen what would pass as a shell/frame to work with available anywhere?
What characteristics should I look for to make using arduino/servos successful?

TIA!

I'm really sorry in advance if this qualifies as more of a "Project Guidance" sub-forum post. But because it is so specific to robotics, I may have erroneously imagined it fitted here.

2

Make up a frame with metal coathangers and paper mache for shape?

3

Look up Disney animatronics?

4

@Crossroads,
I'll just make some small wireframe mock-ups with some copper clad aluminum wire that I can solder/de-solder. The trick then, after making the 3 pieces, will be to connect to the servos. All of that is agreeably off-topic as non-arduino...

I'll revisit once the arduino is included. thanks!