We know that there are bird species who fly in formation, such as geese that fly in a V-formation. Birds that fly like this “conserve energy by flying in aerodynamically optimal positions”. But for bird species who do not fly in formation, like pigeons, they spend more energy when in coordinated flight.
The research indicates that flying with another bird requires more energy compared to flying solo. 'The results of this study were completely unexpected. Energy is the currency of life so it's astonishing that the birds are prepared to pay a substantial energetic cost to fly together," said lead-author, Dr Lucy Taylor.
What would be the reason for pigeons to flap faster when flying in groups?
The increase in wingbeat frequency is likely to be related to the demands of coordinating flight. Dr Taylor said: 'Imagine trying to coordinate with and avoid hitting another small object travelling at around 44 miles per hour. This is nearly two times faster than an Olympic sprinter, and the birds can move up and down as well as left and right. For a pigeon, flapping your wings faster will both give you faster reactions and greater control over your movements, and will help keep your head stable making it easier to track where the other bird is.'
(Image Credit: Lucy Taylor)
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It is amazing behavior. I remember watching a guy release a flock of homing pigeons for research at Cornell Ornithology school. Really wild to see them all in unison, flying up, turning to a heading and flying off in that direction.
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