The familiar V-shaped flight formation of geese and other birds helps them save energy, by exploiting uplifting air created by the bird in front.
When a bird flies, it forces air downwards beneath its wings. This air then flows upwards from the wing tips, creating an updraft on either side. Tracking devices strapped to ibises confirmed that they carefully position themselves and time their wing beats to catch the updraft from the bird in front.
This technique, known as ‘drafting’, is used by large birds like geese and pelicans. Smaller birds create more complex air movements, making drafting more difficult.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Rosie Watts, Gloucestershire) 'Why do birds fly in a V formation?'
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