What is the benefit for geese to fly in a V formation?

Answer 1

It's all about aerodynamics! As each bird flys, the flapping of its wings creates an uplift of air for the bird behind it. This causes the bird behind to use less energy to fly, and thus increases the flying range of the whole flock by about 70%. That's a lot of increase for birds flying a long way!

The goose at the tip of the V will drop out and move back when he feels tired, so that another bird can take that lead position. It's the hardest position to fly in, since he is creating the initual uplift.

When a goose does drop out of formation, it will suddenly feel quite a difference in the resistance and lack of uplift.

Geese also honk when flying in V formation, and I've heard this is to encourage one another, and help one another to keep in communication while flying. Makes sense to me.

Military planes have learned from the geese, and fly in this same formation sometimes.

Answer 2

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Geese and some other species of birds migrate in distinctive “V” or “U” formations or in lines. By taking advantage of the wing tip vortex of the bird in front, each bird can save energy by reducing drag. The energy savings in flight can be as much as 50%. Aerodynamic Formation - The V formation of geese is a way that maximizes the energy expended by those flying as part of it. The bird at the front of the flock breaks the air for those flying behind it and creates a slipstream for them to be dragged along in. The birds behind also help those in front as the upward motion of their wing also creates an upward draft that propels them forward. This push/pull relationship ensures all birds in the formation benefit from the work of others.

Answer 3

it makes their flight much eaier ,less effort ,they create a WAKE by the collective flight pushing through the air ,like a boat creates a wake ,and the gees glide on top of this artificial aircurant ,

the lead is the most tiring ,and they frequently change leaders ,

what also take most of the effort away is the aircurent itself ,

the geese and any other birds hop on global aircurrants that go to specific destinations ,

like we hop on a bus

that is why these birds manage to circumnavigate this Earth ,

by using aircurants ,and physics

Answer 4

The formation reduces the drag for the birds farther back in the formation. When the lead bird gets tired, he just slides back for a rest.

Answer 5

from what i know, if they fly in a V formation then the one on the tip will get the most wind resistance, thus reducing the wind resistance for the other geese.
then they take turn to take the tip position, this way they will save energy. pretty cool, huh?