Now the first extreme close-up of birds flying in a V formation is providing some answers. Scientists have found that birds position themselves and time their wing beats so perfectly that ...

“It was always assumed that V-formation flight was learned from the adult birds,” says Portugal. “But these guys are all the same age and they learned to fly from a human in a microlight.

They followed the birds for hours, and chose a seven-minute period while they were in perfect V formation to analyze. “It sounds insane, but it took 3 1/2 weeks to get seven minutes of the top ...

But in the last 10 years, research has begun to reveal the specifics of why birds do this. The main reason birds fly in a V formation is to maximize aerodynamic efficiency.

Now the first extreme close-up of birds flying in a V formation is providing some answers. Scientists have found that birds position themselves and time their wing beats so perfectly that ...

The V formation commonly adopted by migrating birds has long been thought to help them fly more efficiently, staying aloft while expending as little energy as possible.

NEW YORK — The next time you see birds flying in a V, consider this: A new study says they choreograph the flapping of their wings with exquisite precision to help them on their way. That's what ...

Migrating birds fly in a V-formation to take advantage of the aerodynamic effects of flying behind another bird. Remarkably, birds take turns at the front despite no obvious benefit to the individual.

OK, this is just cool: We all know birds fly in V-formations, but an in-depth study into the pattern using high-tech GPS sensors has found just how precise a science the flight model is.

The linear flight formations of migratory birds are called echelons. The V and the J structures are typical and are the most readily recognized flock echelons, but other variations also occur.

Birds flying in V-formations could realize an energy savings of 71%, compared to birds flying alone.

The next time you see birds flying in a V, consider this: A new study says they choreograph the flapping of their wings with exquisite precision to help them on their way.