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Biomechanics

Early birds surmount steep slopes

Nature volume 426, pages 777–778 (2003)Cite this article

Even before they can fly, some young birds can run up vertical surfaces by using their wingbeats to add traction to their legs. Such behaviour may be relevant to understanding the origin of avian flight.

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Figure 1: The mechanics of wing-assisted incline running, as described by Bundle and Dial2.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. the Structure and Motion Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Hertfordshire, UK

    John R. Hutchinson

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  1. John R. Hutchinson
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Hutchinson, J. Early birds surmount steep slopes. Nature 426, 777–778 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/426777a

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