How do the birds synchronize in the sky? E.g. They all change direction at the exact same time.?

Question

How are birds able to do so? Is it their instinct or is there some sort of follow the leader technique?

Answer 1

There is a very simple rule set that they use to do this. In the simulation they are called "boids".

1. Boids try to fly towards the centre of mass of neighbouring boids.
2. Boids try to keep a small distance away from other objects (including other boids).
3. Boids try to match velocity with near boids.

In real life you can see that they try to stick together to avoid predators. A bird that strayed too far out would be an easy target.

Answer 2

Flocking/schooling behaviour has been simulated many times successfully on computers. There are simple rules that produce the phenomenon. The birds fly together for safety and are all headed in the same general direction after that there are two rules
1. fly away from danger
2. if your neighbour changes direction, follow.
These rules produce the rapid changes of direction in flocks. Reaction times to changes in direction are very short so flocks seem to change direction almost simultaneously but there is, in fact, a ripple effect.

Answer 3

The birds move like this in accord to changing air currents and temperature, using the air movement to their own advantage. This way there is less energy expenditure in the birds' flight.

Answer 4

You have just answered your question...leadership. The next time you see some geese flying,you will see that there is always one in front.

Answer 5

Maybe this page will help http://discovermagazine.com/2002/dec/featworks

Answer 6

they just go with the flow