Flying fast improves aerodynamic economy of heavier birds

Abstract A paradox of avian long-distance migrations is that birds must greatly increase their body mass prior to departure, yet this is presumed to substantially increase their energy cost of flight. However, here we show that when homing pigeons flying in a flock are loaded with ventrally located...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Charles M. Bishop, Lewis G. Halsey, Graham N. Askew
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2024-03-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56325-6

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