Flight speed of birds is more complex than previously thought

Date:  December 13, 2017

Source:  Lund University

Summary:

The flight speed of birds is more complex than research has previously managed to show. Researchers have found that birds use multiple -- each one simple yet effective -- methods to control their speed in the air and compensate for tailwind, headwind and sidewind.

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Migrating birds sprint in spring, but take things easy in autumn

Date:

September 2, 2014

Source:

Springer Science+Business Media

Summary:

Passerine birds, also known as perching birds, that migrate by night tend to fly faster in spring than they do in autumn to reach their destinations. This seasonal difference in flight speed is especially noticeable among birds that only make short migratory flights, research shows. As short-distance migratory birds, they have the luxury to wait until winds are just right.

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