How many birds are in a flock and why?

Question

You know the "V" that birds make when they are flying. Or land birds like chicken or penguins. Just mention what kind you are talking about when you answer.

Answer 1

Geese and some other bird fly in a "V" not all bird do.

Flocks are normally considered to consist of many birds. i.e. a large group. Therefore, a particular number is not important.

Geese fly in a "V" to save energy. The bird flying at the front uses the most energy, due to the aerodynamics the birds behind use less. The front bird rotates to the back when it gets tired.

Answer 2

That depends on what type of bird you are talking about, and what time of year. Flock sizes vary according to seasonal activity, such as migrating or breeding seasons, and according to the amount of food available.

For example, many types of waterbirds fly in a V formation, they use the draft from the bird ahead of them to assist in their own flight. You'll only see the full Vs during migration season on many of these breeds, during breeding season, they split off into pairs. Other bird types form huge breeding colonies, and separate into solitude or small family groups once the babies are fledged. Migration patterns are also a reason for bird who are usually territorial to gather in large groups.

Keep in mind that not all bird groups are called flocks. Check the link below for more specifics on that.

Answer 3

I think there are between 11 and 21 birds that fly in "V"

Answer 4

Makes me wonder if they fly in a "missing bird" formation if one is shot down.

Answer 5

geese fly in vs and theres usually about 15 of them

Answer 6

http://www.red3d.com/cwr/boids/