By IndiaTimes
January 17, 2014
Photo courtesy of birdwatch.co.uk
LONDON: Birds fly in a distinctive V formation to arrange themselves in “aerodynamically optimum positions” while precisely timing the flapping of their wings, scientists have found.
Flying in a V formation helps each bird take advantage of “good air” (upwash) thrown up by the wings of the flyer in front while avoiding detrimental ‘bad air’ (downwash), according to researchers from the University of London’s Royal Veterinary College.
They found that birds also flap their wings at just the right time so as maximize an updraft and minimise a downdraft.
These aerodynamic accomplishments were previously not thought possible for birds because of the complex flight dynamics and sensory feedback that would be required to perform such a feat, researchers said.