Why do Birds Fly in a V Formation? Mystery Revealed!

If you’ve ever watched the sky during autumn, you must have noticed tens, if not hundreds of migrating birds flying in a V formation. It’s actually one of the most thrilling sights in nature.

But what theory does the V formation hold?

Scientists have always been fascinated by this phenomenon and after years of research, they have come up with an answer to this mystery.

Energy Conservation

Scientists have discovered how each bird in the flock takes advantage of “upwash” thrown up by the wings of the bird in the front while avoiding lift-sapping “downwash.” A simpler explanation is that. As a bird flaps during flight, a rotating vortex of air consequently rolls on each of its wingtips. This simply means that the air behind the bird gets constantly pushed downwards, which is referred to as “downwash,” and the air behind it and on the sides gets constantly pushed upwards, which is referred to as “upwash.”

If it happens that another bird in the flock flies in either of these upwash zones, it subsequently gets a free lift. Scientists explain that by taking advantage of the airflow created by its flock-mate, it ends up saving energy.

But does this happen automatically?

Well, there is a simple explanation to this. According to scientists, flying in V formation isn’t just about staying in the right place- it’s rather about flapping at the same time. Think of it as following your hiking partner’s footsteps in the mud or snow.

As explained earlier, the trail of upwash left by each bird’s wingtips also moves up and down. The birds behind the flock can somehow sense this and therefore immediately adjust their own flapping in order to keep their wings within the free airlift zone. Basically, the birds behind trace the path taken by those at the front. Although more work needs to be put in the research, it all makes sense.

More Benefits

After fitting pelicans with heart rate monitors, a scientist known as Henri Weimerkirch further discovered that birds behind the V formation had significantly lower heart rates compared to those at the front. They also flapped less. This explains the “free air lift” the birds at the back get as well as possible energy conservation.

Ability to Fly more Efficiently

The V formation doesn’t only help the birds conserve energy during flight; it’s also thought to help them fly more efficiently and stay aloft. It basically makes flying a much easier task.

Possible Fuel Conservation in Aircrafts

Thanks to this discovery, scientists are currently studying possible energy-saving benefits in aircrafts. In fact, the V formation phenomenon is well known to civil and military pilots.

According to scientists, maintaining one wing tip in the wake of a forward aircraft could possibly help a fighter jet reduce its energy consumption by up to 18%

Of course, this could be a huge breakthrough in the aircraft industry.

Ongoing research could possibly reveal more benefits of V formation in migratory birds in aerodynamics. It’s not an easy feat but with new technology, it could be a dream come true.