Bird flight

[skyep]

Why do birds fly in a V formation?

[andy-hughes]

No-one is entirely sure, but scientists reckon that birds have found out that this formation reduces slipstream for the following birds, and makes flying easier.

Observations have shown that after a period of time, the 'lead' bird drops back in the formation, and another bird leads for a while, changing as they go, so it looks like the theory is sound.

[skyep]

andy - wow, isn't nature fantastic!!

[horsestache1]

So the one's behind can see where they are going!

Sorry I belive Andy's right.

[heathfield]

For reasons of safety. If the birds were flying in a single line, the rearmost bird cannot see a hawk or other predator attacking from behind. In V formation, the birds towards the rear of one line can keep a watch on the birds in front, and at the rear of the other line, and call out a warning in the case of danger.
The safest position is at the front. But here the leading bird is acting as a pacemaker, and, just as in team athletics, this uses a lot of energy. (It's always easier to keep up than to lead). So after a time, the lead bird will drop back and give another one the task.

[MORELLO]

'cos it looks good. They're just showing off.

[skyep]

Thanks everyone :0)