Why do ducks always fly in

[Borisamber]

It is dusk & i have just witnessed formation after formation of ducks flying over my house, Regardless of the amoun in each formation, i.e 4-50 approx. They were all in this V formation. I know this is the way they always fly - but why?

[andy hughes]

It's connected to aerodynamics - a V formation means that wind rersistance is cut down to a minimum, which conserves as much energy for the flock as possible, vital considering the distancecs they fly to migrate. How do ducks know this? The same way they know which way Africa is - these are facts, but still mysteries.

[Phantaxus]

They also swap over positions durring the flight so that the all get a turn at the front of the V (the position with most wind resistance)

[fly258]

And I always thought the one at the front was the one with the map ;)