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Name: Myles
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Question:
Why do ducks fly in a V formation when migrating ? are the legs of the V equal?


Replies:
Canada Geese is probably what you are referring to and this bird flies in a V formation for several purposes it is believed. One is that it indicates dominance in the group. The lead birds are always female. Second the lead bird is creating a turbulance wave that actual assists the birds behind it. The further back you are in the formation, the less energy you need in the flight. Lead birds do rotate to keep exhaustion from happening. Computer models show that the V formation allows for the best postioning to receive the boost from the air waves created by the bird in front.

S. Sample

The "v" is a result of birds taking advantage of a little bit of extra lift from the air flow off the wing of the previous bird, so the legs are not necessarily, and usually aren't, equal, sometimes no v, just a single line. Geese and cranes most usually use the formation.

J. Elliott


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