Aviary Mechanic MTG Card
2016-09-30 - Number 6
2020-11-12 - Number 10
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dwarf Artificer |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
When Aviary Mechanic enters the battlefield, you may return another permanent you control to its owner's hand.
Pilots take crippled skyships to the Aviaries, trusting Ghirapur's most talented mechanics to get them back into the air.
Cards like Aviary Mechanic
Aviary Mechanic is an intriguing card in Magic: The Gathering with its ability to bounce creatures back to the owner’s hand. This simple mechanism is shared with cards like Kor Skyfisher, which also returns a permanent, offering similar strategic plays. However, Aviary Mechanic has a slight edge with its lower mana value, allowing it to be played a turn earlier to retrigger enter-the-battlefield effects or save valuable creatures from removal.
Another card that echoes this ability is Emancipation Angel. Although it costs one more mana than Aviary Mechanic, it brings a considerable body to the battlefield that can impact combat effectively. On the downside, its higher cost means players will need to wait an extra turn to utilize its effect, possibly giving opponents a chance to consolidate their board state.
In the realm of creature bouncing, Aviary Mechanic stands out for its cost-efficiency and versatility. It may not pack a punch like Emancipation Angel or offer the flexibility of Kor Skyfisher which can bounce any permanent, but its low mana requirement makes it a reliable and accessible option for decks looking to exploit recurring enter-the-battlefield triggers or dodge removal spells.
Cards similar to Aviary Mechanic by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Aviary Mechanic. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | WRG | Pauper | Pauper Challenge 64 2024-03-24 | |
 | Orzhov Midrange | Pauper | Orzhov Ephemerate | Sprint Wheel Event - Geddon Series 4^ tappa MILANO 2024 |
 | Boros Synthesizer | Pauper | Boros Synthesizer | Pauper League 2024-01-27 |
| WB | Pauper | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-01-27 | |
| Orzhov Aggro | Pauper | Sprint Wheel Event - Geddon Series 2^ tappa MILANO 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Aviary Mechanic can return another permanent you control to your hand when it enters the battlefield. This creates opportunities for reusing enter-the-battlefield effects or saving valuable cards from removal, contributing to card advantage and board presence.
Resource Acceleration: When paired with permanents that generate tokens or other beneficial effects upon entering the battlefield, Aviary Mechanic can help to accelerate your resources. By replaying these cards, you can multiply their effects, giving you an edge in developing your board faster than your opponent.
Instant Speed: Although Aviary Mechanic itself is a creature and doesn’t have instant speed, its ability to bounce a permanent to your hand can be used in conjunction with instant speed spells or abilities you may hold. This allows for strategic plays during your opponent’s turn or in response to their actions, adding an element of surprise and adaptability to your game plan.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of Aviary Mechanic is that you may be forced to return a valuable permanent to your hand. This can be a strategic setback when you have a developed board and no extra cards to play.
Specific Mana Cost: Aviary Mechanic requires white mana to cast. This specificity can restrict the card’s inclusion to certain deck archetypes, reducing its versatility across various MTG formats.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While costing only two mana, the impact of Aviary Mechanic on the game is minor compared to other cards at similar cost. This can make it a less optimal choice during deck building when considering mana curve and card effects.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Aviary Mechanic offers a flexible role in various deck builds, whether you’re aiming to reset enter-the-battlefield triggers or save important creatures from removal.
Combo Potential: This card shines in strategies centered around bounce and reuse mechanics, multiplying the value of other cards with its ability to return permanents to your hand.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where permanents with powerful single-use effects are prevalent, Aviary Mechanic can provide recurring value, making it a tactical inclusion in many competitive decks.
How to beat
Aviary Mechanic is a unique creature in the MTG universe, with an ability that allows players to return another permanent they control to their hand upon its entrance to the battlefield. This can be a strategic move, often resetting enchantments or reusing enter-the-battlefield effects. However, when it comes to countering this card, it is vital to interrupt the cycle of value it can create.
Removal spells like Fatal Push or Lightning Bolt can be effective in eliminating the Mechanic before its ability has the chance to activate. Counterspells are also an excellent method to prevent it from hitting the field altogether. Moreover, limiting your opponent’s ability to capitalize on the bounce effect by utilizing cards that punish or restrict creature abilities, such as Hushbringer or Torpor Orb, can significantly reduce the utility of Aviary Mechanic.
Avoiding over-commitment to the board ensures that if your opponent is forced to return their own non-land permanents, they do not benefit significantly from repeated enter-the-battlefield triggers. Stay nimble and prepared for the Aviary Mechanic’s tricks, and its impact can be greatly minimized, keeping your strategy on the winning path.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Aviary Mechanic MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh Remastered, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Aviary Mechanic and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Aviary Mechanic Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Mark Zug.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh | KLD | 6 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug | |
| 2 | 2020-11-12 | Kaladesh Remastered | KLR | 10 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Aviary Mechanic has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |