what coordination makes so much of birds fly together in the sky?

Question

while birds fly, how they r maintaining distance between each other and fly in a group?

Answer 1

Here's an excerpt from an article on the issue:

Do birds fly in such synchronicity from instinct, brain chemistry or divine intervention? No one knew for sure until 1986, when computer scientist Craig Reynolds synthesized flocking behavior on a computer screen.

Creating paper airplane icons called "boids," he gave them three rules:

1. Try to maintain a minimum distance from all other birds and objects.
2. Try to match speed with nearby birds.
3. Try to move to the center of nearby birds.

The last directive makes sense because to conserve energy, predators choose prey from the outside of a flock. Since birds at the flock's edges face greater danger than those in the center, they constantly press inward and push those inside out.

When Reynolds freed his computer birds, they started out scattered randomly over the screen, but they soon collected into swooping, wheeling flocks that flowed around obstacles. With no leader or imperative to flock, they became one by obeying individual rules.

The full link is here: http://www.ahartman.com/writing/flocks.htm

This one was also interesting: http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mflockswoop.html

Answer 2

They fly in groups because they fly better when they do. The flap of wings of the other birds give makes it easier for them to stay on air.

Answer 3

They have some instinctive rules, like don't let the wing tips touch, keep a certain distance from your neighbor.
When they change direction one does it and the rest follow like a fast version of the wave.

Answer 4

Beyond undestanding of Human mind.

Answer 5

thet use their wings for balance just as humans use their feets when working in group

Answer 6

well if i ask u how do u go with ur friends together?...it's the same way. it's nature!