2006-11-23 22:33:01 · 17 answers · asked by zerglings 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
No, you don't tend to wonder these things when you know why.
It's to do with the air currents. By flying in a V formation the birds behind save up to 30% of energy. When the leading bird gets tired he drops out and goes to the end of the formation and one of the birds next in sequence takes his place, so they still maintain the V formation. This process continues until all the birds come to rest.
If a bird gets injured and needs to land to earth, two other birds will also break away and stay with the injured bird until he gets well or until he dies, before resuming their flight.
2006-11-23 22:44:09 · answer #1 · answered by Brenmore 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is believed that the head of the V (I mean the leading bird) pushes the air down and creates a more floatable air front for the rest of the group and this scheme flows through the formation. Everynow and then the leading bird changes its lead to conserver energy
2006-11-23 22:49:38 · answer #2 · answered by pioneer_colonel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answers about aerodynamics are correct. But I have another question and answer for you. Do you know why one side of the V is longer than the other? Scroll down!
Because there are more birds on that side! (I know, its a dumb joke, but I hope it made you smile at least a little, or maybe groan)
2006-11-23 22:57:26 · answer #3 · answered by sngcanary 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aerodynamics
2006-11-23 22:35:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever tried flying in someone elses jet stream? Not easy, same reason they fly jets in the same formation, to avoid slip streams.
2006-11-23 22:35:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they do it 4 aerodynamics...flying in a V takesless enery than flying in a line.
have you ever watched olympic cyclists? they do this in competition, and periodically can who is leading to give everyone a rest after being in front.
same concept!
2006-11-23 22:43:22 · answer #6 · answered by Kridwen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
aerodynamics ... the one flying first uses the more of his energy than the ones at the end of that V ... then after a while they change their positions ... that way they can travel greater distances than flying alone ...
2006-11-23 22:35:42 · answer #7 · answered by Yash 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
During WW2 they flew in U formation though.
2006-11-23 22:34:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is to reduce wind resistance. Same reason racecars are smooth. It's all about aerodynamics.
2006-11-23 22:34:34 · answer #9 · answered by The Proof Is In The Pudding 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always thought it was so they looked like one big bird. So that way the other sky predators are scared to go near them.
2006-11-23 22:36:22 · answer #10 · answered by adnie25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋