Why do some birds fly in a v formation?

Question

I've always wanted to know this?

Answer 1

the same reason you see dolphins swimming in front of boats and ships , because there is a wave in front of the boat and also the first bird in the v formation so the rest surf that wave in the air/water.http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A86.OSLF4atGKN8ASiUCP88F;_ylu=X3oDMTBjMHZkMjZyBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNzcg--/SIG=126tk8jra/EXP=1185755973/**http%3A//video.yahoo.com/video/play%3Fvid=1097839317

Answer 2

Scientists who have studied formation flight believe that birds fly in V formation to reduce the drag force that each bird experiences compared to if it were flying alone. Another reson is such formation allows the birds to communicate more easily as it provides the birds with good visual contact of each other to keep the flock together thus minimizing the possibility of losing birds along the way as the formation crosses vast distances during migration.

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Answer 3

I'd just like to point out that when wording the answer to this, it is important not to say that the lead bird is doing more work than the others, since if they didn't form a V, all the birds would be doing as much work as the lead bird. Instead, it is the other birds that are doing less work than the lead bird. This is more accurate since the V shape alleviates them from the burden that they would carry if they were flying alone.

Answer 4

There is an aerodynamic advantage to the vee formation that the birds are exploiting, but it is not 'drafting`.
Simply put, lift is generated by the downward displacement of air. The air to the sides of the flight path rises to fill the gap creating two paths of rising air on either side of the path of the leader.
The followers are flying in this updraft, and thus have an easier time of it.
Google or Wiki "Wing tip votices"

Answer 5

The lead bird does the most work, while the trailing birds get to take advantage of the wakes behind the birds ahead of them, so there is less head wind.
The lead bird moves to the back of the line after he gets tired, and a new bird takes the lead.
They do this until they reach their destination.

Answer 6

It reduces the drag on the bird flying on the birds at the rear of the V. If you watch they will switch places at times to each take a turn at tthe front.

Answer 7

geese and pelicans do this the most. they are actually drafting off each other. geese will rotate leaders to give the front guy a break. the younger geese will always follow cause they havent learned the route yet. pelicans always draft on same side so their flight is not a V but a slant. I dont know for sure but I think maybe geese are born either a lefty or right hand drafter creating the V

Answer 8

It's my understanding that they fly in formation to decrease the wind resistance, changing leads often.

Answer 9

because there is one lead bird,the rest follow in the manner so they can all see

Answer 10

Like everyone else said, it easier if you are not in the lead.
Just like in a bicycle race, you save energy if you are close behind someone in front of you.