The familiar V-shaped flight formation of geese and other birds helps them conserve energy by taking advantage of the updrafts created by the birds in front.
When birds fly, they force air under their wings. This air flows upward from the wing tips, creating updrafts on both sides. Tracking devices attached to the ibis confirmed that it was carefully positioning itself and timing its wingbeats to catch updrafts from birds in front of it.
This technique, known as “drafting”, is used by larger birds such as geese and pelicans. Smaller birds create more complex air movements and therefore are more difficult to draft.
This article answers the question “Why do birds fly in V-formation?'' (asked by Rosie Watts, Gloucestershire).
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