Most of us have probably seen large groups of birds flying in formation. These large groups of birds will typically fly in a large "V" shape with one bird in the lead and others trailing behind in two lines.
This formation flight is followed by the birds for two reasons.They are,
First reason :
The shape of the formation reduces the drag force that each bird experiences compared to if it were flying alone.
Second Reason :
Is that may explain why birds fly in formation is that this orientation allows the birds to communicate more easily. The V formation provides the birds with good visual contact of each other to keep the flock together. This communication minimizes the possibility of losing birds along the way as the formation crosses vast distances during migration.
Results:
Studies have estimated that a flock of 25 birds in formation can fly as much as 70% further than a solo bird using the same amount of energy.
By spacing themselves apart properly, birds can achieve optimum positions that reduce the drag of every bird in the formation. However, not all birds benefit equally. Apex bird has to work the hardest since it flies into undisturbed air. The upwash(upward thrust) that this bird creates improves the aerodynamics of the two behind it, and these two further improve conditions for the next two birds in line. This means that birds in the middle experience less drag than either the lead bird or the bird at the end of each line.
Interesting Point : The birds at the apex and aft positions may interchange their positions after some time so that the flock can migrate to a longer distance.
