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# Rewritten article:
European nightjars, known for their extraordinary long-distance migrations between Europe and southern Africa, have surprised scientists with their unique flying techniques. Researchers at Lund University have discovered that these birds sacrifice flight efficiency for agility, using a wingbeat trick rarely seen in birds.
The nightjar, scientifically known as Caprimargus europaeus, exhibits an unusual flapping technique that allows them to catch insects while flying slowly or making sharp turns. While their wings are designed for long migrations, they are not optimized for efficient flight at high speeds.
Experiments in wind tunnels have revealed that the nightjar’s wide wingtips aid in maneuvering at low speeds but are a disadvantage when flying faster. This suggests that their wings are a compromise between various requirements, allowing them to fly slowly and maneuver effectively while hunting, but sacrificing efficiency at high speeds.
Researchers also found that nightjars continue to generate propulsion even during the upward part of each flap, a technique more commonly associated with bats and insects. This unexpected feature could provide insights into how animals with different evolutionary histories have developed similar aerodynamic solutions for flight challenges.
The findings shed light on how evolution shapes animals that rely on the same body structures for different activities. This balance of competing needs in nightjar wings could also offer valuable lessons for the design of aviation technology, particularly drones and robotic aircraft utilizing flapping wings.
By understanding how nightjars generate thrust during their ascent stroke, engineers may improve the efficiency of flying machines. Further research aims to determine if this unique flight mechanism is common among other birds and flying animals, potentially inspiring the development of new types of aircraft.
Source: www.sciencedaily.com
