Geese flying in a V are giving each other a free lift. It works a bit like surfing, but on air.
Where does the lift come from?
Every time a bird flaps, it stirs up the air behind it. Right behind the bird, that air goes down, but a little to the side, it goes up.
Why a V shape?
So the next bird flies a little to the side, and the rising air lifts it. Every bird does the same, and together, they make a V.
Does it really help?
Pelicans at the back of a V flap less, and their hearts beat slower. The bird at the front works hardest, so they take turns leading.
Can planes do it too?
And airplane makers are now trying the same trick. One jet flew behind another and used less fuel.
Sources
- National Geographic: Birds that fly in a V formation use an amazing trick
- Ingenia: Birds flying in a V formation
- University of Oxford: One good turn, birds swap energy-sapping lead role
- Sci.News: Northern bald ibises take turns when flying in V formation
- Airbus: Formation flight demonstration (fello'fly)
- Airbus: fello'fly, inspired by migrating geese
- Aerospace Testing International: Airbus transatlantic formation flight
