Why do migrating birds fly in a 'V' pattern?

Siskin

This is a fabulous site - the full answer is here: http://abbasgirl59.homestead.com/LessonsFromGeese.html Oct 01 03, 5:11 PM

Gnomon

One bird does the difficult task of being in front and all the others slipstream. Only a V has this property. Oct 01 03, 5:37 PM

Senior Moments

http://www.avweb.com/news/osh2002/183923-1.html He explained the aerodynamics of the V pattern. "The hardiest bird takes the lead at the point. With each downbeat of his wings, the lead bird creates a wingtip vortex. The trailing birds sense this nuance in the air and surf on it, which makes their job of flying slightly easier. This lets a group of birds of differing abilities fly at a constant speed with a common endurance. The wave generated by the lead bird forms a 'V' and results in the typical chevron formation that we see overhead." Lishman also offered a simpler explanation for the V. "We found out as soon as we lined up behind the birds. They relieve themselves in the air, so we think the V pattern is just plain common sense." Oct 01 03, 7:50 PM

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