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Brief Communications
Nature 413, 697-698 (18 October 2001) | doi:10.1038/35099670
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Dean, Faculty of Science
- University of Victoria
- Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Project Manager – Scientist in Emulsions and Foams
- Nestle Research Center
- Lausanne, Switzerland
Energy saving in flight formation
Henri Weimerskirch1, Julien Martin1, Yannick Clerquin2, Peggy Alexandre2 & Sarka Jiraskova2
Abstract
Pelicans flying in a 'V' can glide for extended periods using the other birds' air streams.
Abstract
Many species of large bird fly together in formation, perhaps because flight power demands and energy expenditure can be reduced when the birds fly at an optimal spacing1, 2, 3, or because orientation is improved by communication within groups4. We have measured heart rates as an estimate of energy expenditure in imprinted great white pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) trained to fly in 'V' formation, and show that these birds save a significant amount of energy by flying in formation. This advantage is probably a principal reason for the evolution of flight formation in large birds that migrate in groups.
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
- Galatée Films, Le Peuple Migrateur — Jacques Perrin, 92 Rue Jouffroy d'Abbans, 75017 Paris, France
Correspondence to: Henri Weimerskirch1 e-mail: Email: henriw@cebc.cnrs.fr
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