Why do geese fly in a V formation?
Until recently, scientists could only theorize as to why geese and other large, migratory birds adopted the V formation for flying long distances. Most ornithologists believed that this formation made for more efficient flying but could offer no hard proof. However, a new study put this theory to the test. A team of scientists taped heart monitors to a group of pelicans that were trained to fly behind a small airplane. They discovered that the heart rates of the birds were lower when flying in a V than when flying solo. Migrating birds use the “squadron” formation because it allows them to glide more often, conserving energy. The aerodynamic V shape reduces the air resistance, allowing the geese to cover longer distances. In fact, a flock of geese ca
