why do swans geese etc fly in a vee formation?

Answer 1

When the lead bird flaps downward there is a vortex off of the end of his wing that creats lift for the next bird. Yes they have to rotate the leader.

Answer 2

A goose's eyes are set in the sides of its head, giving good all-round vision but leaving a small blind spot directly ahead and behind. If a goose were to follow directly behind the one in front it would have to turn its head slightly to see it clearly and would have to resort to asymmetrical flapping to maintain a straight course, reducing its aerodynamic efficiency and wasting energy. It would also have to fly a little below the one in front to stay clear of its wake, not a good place to be as geese defecate in flight. This leaves some kind of echelon formation as the only practical solution.”

There are other advantages to flying in a V formation. For example, experiments have shown that 25 geese flying in a V can travel 70 per cent further than solo birds. The birds function more efficiently in a group working together. Canada goose

Now couldn't you just break out in a shout to glorify the Creator of the geese who implanted this marvelous ability in the birds? Of course you could. God has planted some amazing abilities in birds (mallee fowls take temperature, penguins navigate to land from far out at sea, etc.). But compare that with what New Scientist said:

“Putting these observations together suggests that there is more than one advantage to flocking, and that aerodynamic and social benefits may have evolved together.”

“May have evolved together”? The wisdom of this world is truly foolishness in God's sight (1 Corinthians 3:19).

Answer 3

The actual truth to that is not about slipstreams.
The Mother leads the pack of her family and the Geese fly in order of their birth.

There are no two female that fly families. There is only one Mother and if there is 100 Geese they are all her children and children's children's, but none the less the Mother of the flight of Geese is the sole leader until she dies regardless the amount of births that take place each and every year.
The Geese are monogamous and remain with one mate for life.

If you hatch Geese and the first thing they see is you, you become the Mother and they are doomed and will never take flight.

Answer 4

It is the best way to fly in formation. Not only does it reduce the effect of the slipstream, but if they were all flying in a perfect line, they would be able to concentrate only on the bird in front of them. If something were to happen to that bird, those behind it would suffer too. So a "V" formation is great to have a perfect view of the whole colony. It is easier for the adults to know when a change in leadership is necessary, and easier for the young ones to persevere on their first migration.

Answer 5

the birds are daft they follow the Leader and if the bird at the front thinks it sees water, even if its a polythene field or something shiny they will all instinctively follow the bird that thinks it knows what it is doing. As others have said the v formation helps them to see better where everyone else is going its part of living nature and instincts for survival.

Answer 6

The pattern helps reduce effort in the rest of the V. They slipstream, effectively. The motion of air over the wings creates a mini vacuum at the wing tips. The lead bird is rotated regularly.

Answer 7

I think it's to do with slipstream the front ones move to the back every now and again to rest a little because its easier to fly in the slipstream of the front ones!

Answer 8

Its the only one they can do.
They tired to copy some of the "Red Arrows" formations,but could not get the co-ordination.
Also the coloured smoke got in their eyes.

Answer 9

The one at the front knows the way

Answer 10

airodynamics, it reduces drag.