Birds' flying patterns?

Question

I have often marveled and wondered how the heck a large group of birds can ALL change direction at the same time and stay with the rest so well. If people could drive like this, there wouldn't be half as manyu accidents. Anyone know their secret?

Answer 1

The thing to remember with flocks of birds - like herds of deer and schooling fish- is that there is no leader to the group. Birds in a flock are aware of the movements of their neighbors through eyesight (because their eyes are on the sides of their heads and not in front); calls to each other; and possible pheromones triggers. When one bird is not aligned with the rest, the neighbors directly around that bird will adjust their own flight patterns to compensate, causing a reaction through the entire flock. Basically animals that move in herds, flocks and schools are wired with two basic messages for survival - Don't collide into the guy next to you and stay as close to your neighbors as possible.
This greatly aids in safety, food finding, and establishing territories.

Answer 2

What do you mean? Others who spoke back have theory you mean birds who fly around in a circle as though circling their prey. I also have a tendency to think of which you're reffering to birds who fly in the formation that feels like a funnel, on a similar time as traveling to anyplace they are going. So, they could be some form of ducks or ducks flying in a > formation. Or, they'd be Eagles,Vultures or different birds of prey in case you mean Fling around in a Circle. ... Condors, are a solitary poultry, i think of, & you suggested you observed birds flying this way in a team.

Answer 3

They fly togther in a V-shape because it creates aerodynamic lift--the birds act as one solid airplane wing.
A wing generates lift because there's low pressure on the top of the wing, and high pressure underneath.
So when they fly closely, they control the airflow to help conserve the energy it takes to fly, especially on long distances like migrating for winter!

Good question!

Answer 4

Anyone who has ever ridden a bike in traffic can tell you: It's easier to go WITH the traffic than against it.