Pass It On
Posted by k Moore on June 19, 2004
Q: Is there a step by step process in which birds use in order to fly in a v formation?
A: Scientists have determined that the V-shaped formation that geese use when migrating serves two important purposes:
First, it conserves their energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. The birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired. In this way, the geese can fly for a long time before they must stop for rest.
As far as anyone knows, there is not a process that birds use to set the order of what position an individual gets to take in the formation. The "leader" of the flock changes as the bird in front tires and falls back. In theory, every bird is the "leader" and every bird is the follower at one time or another.
Jim Berry ( June 21, 2004)