You’ve probably seen birds migrating, or just making short trips for feeding, and you’ve probably noticed that birds tend to fly in a V-shape. Squadrons of planes can save fuel by flying in a V formation, and many scientists suspect that migrating birds do the same. A new study of ibises finds that these big-winged birds carefully position their wingtips and sync their flapping, presumably to catch the preceding bird’s updraft—and save energy during flight. The simple answer is that they do it to save energy. It’s a bird! Hey there flappy birds, Jules here for Dnews! Birds fly in a V formation because when they fly in this pattern, they are able to extract the maximum benefit by putting in less effort. The second benefit to the V formation is that it is easy to keep track of every bird in the group. Up in the air! Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. Why do geese fly in a V? If you've spent a year in the United States, then you've heard the honks and seen the distinctive v-shaped flying pattern of Canada geese. This formation helps with their flying efficiency and how far they can fly. As the birds flap their wings, the air flowing off their wingtips gives birds in the back of the V an extra lift. Flying in formation may assist with the communication and coordination within the group. “It was always assumed that V-formation flight was learned from the adult birds,” says Portugal. No, it’s a bird. Scientists who have studied formation flight believe that birds fly in this way for two reasons. Why do birds fly in formation? Migrating birds fly in a V-formation to take advantage of the aerodynamic effects of flying behind another bird. There are two reasons birds might fly in a V formation: It may make flight easier, or they’re simply following the leader. This reduces the amount of energy the birds need to fly. Aerodynamics. The second benefit to the "V" formation is that it is easy to keep track of every bird in the group. That’s pretty helpful, considering how far these birds fly. No, it’s a bird. Look! Asked in Gulls (Seagulls) They learned [V-formation flying] from each other. That’s pretty helpful, considering how far these birds fly. Just kidding. Why Birds Fly in V Formation Finally an Explanation ... Migratory Birds Perform Stunning Aeronautical Feats Migratory Birds Perform Stunning Aeronautical Feats Why do birds flock together? Look! It’s a plane! Footage courtesy of … Up in the air! There’s usually one bird up at the frontRead More This reduces the amount of energy the birds need to fly. Birds fly in different formations when they migrate and travel up to 65,000 KM in this formation. That means the birds take this formation because it makes it easier for them to fly. Fourteen birds, following their human flock-leader’s microlight aircraft, learned to fly in V formation along the traditional migratory route between Orbetello, Italy, and Salzburg, Austria. The most common formation is V-formation the advantages of flying in this formation are But most flocks of bird fly inthis shape (with the exception of black birds, … who are moreswarm-like). It’s a bird! Anyone watching the autumn sky knows that migrating birds fly in a V formation, but scientists have long debated why. Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason. The reason they fly in such a shape, is that theformation helps the other birds save energy by flying off the"disturbed" air that the bird ahead of it is creating, and theysave energy. Remarkably, birds take turns at the front despite no obvious benefit to the individual. It’s a plane! Mainly birds on long migratory routes (but also certain birds on shorter flights) fly in V formation; why? Most commonly seen are ducks flying in a V shaped formation whenthey migrate south for the winter. Scientists have determined that the V-shaped formation that geese use when migrating serves two important purposes: First, it conserves their energy. As the birds flap their wings, the air flowing off their wingtips gives birds in the back of the V an extra lift. That means the birds take this formation because it makes it easier for them to fly. But geese aren't the only birds to fly in an orderly pattern: pelicans and ibises adopt the same v … All geese like to fly in the V formation also known as a skein formation. Media caption In a previous study of the same birds, Dr Steven Portugal and his colleagues revealed why birds fly in a V formation.