Why Don't All Birds Fly in V Shapes?

[@nightish_one6007]

I've heard that starling flocks move and shape-shift like that because the safest spot in that flock is in the middle, so every starling tries to get in that middle part. Do this with a few 100 birds and you get those insane 3D shows

[@RobertSaxy]

Nightish_one 2:14

[@praveenb9048]

Russian roulette in the sky?

[@ISoloYouRelax]

More interested in how flocks of birds fly together without hitting each other every five seconds.

[@limiv5272]

Just like humans in crowded spaces don't hit each other every five seconds - they look around and plan their motion accordingly. Plus, there's more space when you're using all three dimensions

[@gartengeflugel924]

@@limiv5272 I agree, but there's also more opportunity to collide.

[@1MarkKeller]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2OyoaB9lNyEnpY

[@schifoso]

The starlings have a 75 millisecond reaction time to light. Very impressive how they move like a school of fish.

[@harrylane4]

@@limiv5272 I've got some bad news for you about places like Seoul and Tokyo, buddy

[@raveracer77]

I've been using "selfish herd" for years. When I drive cross country I'll pick up pace with faster drivers and we'll speed together in groups. I'm fairly certain we all know what's going on and that a radar trap is likely to only be able to take one speeder.

[@stevevernon1978]

" But did a 60 mph 360 just to chase me down." hmmm... I'll bet he didn't.

[@xXdatkid411Xx]

@@stevevernon1978 Would still be going the other way, no?

[@JJvolkman21]

Just remember to always study birds looking straight up into the sky, mouth open, standing directly under the flock.

[@kindlin]

Just 2 hours ago, I was walking out with my food in my hand, ready to dig in, when a giant splop hits about 2 feet from me, while I narrowly avoid the ensuing splatter. It was almost horrific, mostly startling.

[@realcolataste97]

1:12 Thought he was gonna say they save 15% or more on car insurance

[@gagenash4774]

El Tercero and people say marketing doesn’t work 🤣

[@Restilia_ch]

I thought they grouped up so we could hit two birds with one stone.

[@clutchyfinger]

So, birds were slipstreaming and dealing with dirty air for hundreds of thousands of years before racing.

[@Henchman_Holding_Wrench]

And hiding among the crowd hoping not to be the one who gets pulled over for speeding.

[@someonewithsomename]

Goose... this is James!

[@moussacs]

With the 2021 rules, they'll be able to fly closer to each other.

[@lufenia]

the thumbnail literally looks like Berd's bird character

[@sabaideebee]

The thumbnail looks like a "berd" character

[@christelheadington1136]

The bird flying "point" is carrying the GPS device.( In the old days it was a compass.)

[@alysonshorthouse8858]

And the map. And the Metrocard. And has the hotel booking details.

[@harrylane4]

@@alysonshorthouse8858 hotel details are in the back left with the bus tickets. Back right used to have the money, but they found that that was pretty risky when flying through more dangerous areas

[@kokbasE]

Love the verbal citation for the source of the information in this video.

[@Merlincat007]

Dr. Erick Greene is great! I took classes taught by him.

[@licanueto]

What I probably will remember out of this: plural of vortex is vortices

[@JustinY.]

What about birds that don't fly at all?

[@chadfalardeau9162]

Like Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot.

[@someonewithsomename]

herds

[@Beryllahawk]

"They're, uh, they're flocking this way..." Also, holy heck that was some awesome footage of the little warbler flying around. Can we get some more in depth look at wing beats?? He looked almost like he was dancing in the air!

[@timsullivan4566]

Large migrating birds in V-formations may expend up to 15% less energy? That's NOTHING compared to the almost 100% reduction experienced by certain Ruby Throated Hummingbirds during migration, thanks to a newly discovered, truly astonishing avian behavior, reported in a "Winged Wonders," (Oct.) article: "Hapless Herons Host Hitchhiking Hummers - Who Knew?" Fascinating read and the photos are too cute!

[@mastring1966]

It's like the joke "why are you sitting down to put on seekers...THERE'S A BEAR RIGHT OVER THERE COMING RIGHT FOR US!" "I don't have to outrun the bear, i just have to outrun YOU".

[@alanrollf2856]

I'd like to hear more about starling murmurations.

[@1MarkKeller]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2OyoaB9lNyEnpY

[@Dr.Spatula]

I've seen plenty of migrating geese moving in massive swarms when resting in a field. By the thousands

[@Mefisto223]

Tangents are greatness for the ears! Keep em coming guys!!

[@AltainiaInfinity]

1:10 "Studies have estimated that birds flying this way can save around 15%" ON CAR INSURANCE

[@mr.boombox5021]

I legitimately thought they were referencing Berd with the thumbnail.

[@areamusicale]

I would have ALSO made a distinction between migratory fights and local flights ... birds like starlings simply enjoy flying together.... like human dancing in a club.

[@boringneet]

Birds flying together are turly majestic.

[@dhawthorne1634]

You missed what I consider to be the most interesting aspect of a flock of small birds. The reason they look more like a swarm or insects (the undulations and sharp changes in direction and density) is because of how they instinctively orient themselves within the flock. If a bird next to you moves closer or further to you, you try to keep an even space between yourself and all of the others beside, above and below you. As you correct, the others around will start to move as well, pulling or pushing the entire flock in that direction. This is thought to be a means of moving the majority of the flock away from danger if one of the individuals on the outside sees or encounters a threat. It can also bring an entire flock down upon a food source if an individual spots something like a grasshopper or patch of wild rye. You can see this need to keep an equal distance when a flock splits. all it takes is 2 individuals on opposite sides of the flock to move in outward. a few birds in the middle will struggle to keep centered until they are all alone and finally break formation and choose to join the closest group. (Which will, in turn, influence the direction of that group, initially driving it further away from the other).

[@procrastinator99]

-1 point for not using the term for those swirling flocks, murmurations, one of my favorite words.

[@nathanj.2645]

I paused the video at the perfect place to make it look like you had interrupted your thought because you had to sneeze

[@matthewtopping2061]

Oh wow, Hank is still hosting this channel too

[@UshioKiss]

Worth mentioning that birds and fish will take turns with who is on the outside and who is in the middle. Everyone gets a turn with being vulnerable to or safe from predators. On your own, after all, you would be unsafe all the time

[@funkysagancat3295]

I didnt knew there were mixed herds with both fish and birds

[@shiny_x3]

OOOH, QQ means "Quick Questions". I've been watching SciShow for years and never knew that...

[@ToxicWaffle183]

shiny x lol, same

[@hugostiglitz6914]

It's simple, birds who did their flight training with the military fly in a "V" (Discipline) Where as civilian trained birds fly as they please (no discipline)

[@benbarker8154]

I sometimes employ the same strategy when being chased by wild bears. I don't need to be fast, I just need a few slow and fat friends between me and the bears.

[@spineshivers]

Lol, the ad before this is longer than the actual video.

[@GNParty]

Double ads are especially cancer.

[@gatopardoantico5657]

thanks, the vortex phenomenon provides explanation why large birds stay diagonally beneath one another. but what about the upper side of the V, composed of birds that stay diagonally above one another?

[@eubenhadd462]

Do you know why when geese fly in a V pattern, one side of the V is longer than the other? Because there's more geese on that side...

[@Yurt_enthusiast7]

@@ericolens3 oh hi Chris Traeger

[@35906]

Dear Sci-Show, Can you answer a question I have? I am a long time viewer and subscriber (from the start of your channel), and LOVE your show. I find that I am tired often, which I know is an obvious side affect of my depression related to a recent break up. This got me wondering,… do our bodies produce extra melatonin when we are depressed? OR if not melatonin, at least some type of chemical equivalent, that makes us extra sleepy? AND If so, WHY? What would justify this evolutionary behavior? What is the selective advantage for this trait?

[@seiban8455]

What's cool about the selfish herd idea is that it's a reverse tragedy of the commons. All the animals act selfishly with "better him than me!" thinking, and this keeps individuals alive, but the herding this creates also confuses predators by presenting too many targets to focus on any one, making hunting more difficult. Whereas in the tragedy of the commons everyone's selfishness causes things to turn worse, here, the selfish action of the herd keeps the herd more safe, beneficial for all involved, except for those few members who do get sniped out from the herd.

[@praveenb9048]

[01:21] The Birdie Collegie Lab? 🐤🐦😃

[@Bouzsi]

Ever wondered why one leg of the V geese fly in is longer? ... Because there are more geese on that side.

[@ahjohng]

Does anyone know if birds flying in V formation rotate the leader position?

[@Master_Therion]

2:22 If a crow places another crow between itself and a predator, it that... murder?

[@Master_Therion]

@@ericolens3 Oh, it would be a jail-bird?

[@benjaminazmon]

It’s been 8 year SC on epigenetics. Any updates? Any more research done?

[@WhenDevilsDuel]

Aye a decent video, this is actually sum new for me to think about

[@poeticsilence047]

The birds in the thumbnail look like a measuring cup.

[@poeticsilence047]

@PlayStation Player or a giant axe

[@elanianiyvwia8687]

Wow a short vid for a short answer!!! This is amazing no L O N G drawn out over info answer!!!! What happened??

[@redlobsterecho2540]

Hey yall i got a question can you exsplain how Peregrine falcons can dive at the insain speed they do i xant remember what it is off the top of my head but i would love to know the science behind them

[@btaylerpackard2475]

Hank when you pull a scientific source with the last name Green we immediately assume you have another brother who specializes in birds.

[@AtomicEy]

2:22 Shotguns would like to challenge this idea

[@Dr.Spatula]

Shotguns have to be aimed fairly accurately and will never reach a bird flying at altitude

[@Dr.Spatula]

@@ericolens3 Flak Cannon? I guess hunting is TECHNICALLY animal cruelty bit I'd see using an AA gun more so as poaching

[@craigcorson3036]

So, how does a flock of geese decide which bird takes point? Is it the strongest flier? Is it the one with the best sense of direction? Is it random?

[@harrylane4]

Video: why don't all birds fly in v shapes Me: why do some birds fly in v shapes

[@onalennasehume4586]

I got a question. Why do some people (including myself) get random shivers, even in warm weather?

[@joemagnets9940]

I've would've guessed is that birds that migrate LONG DISTANCES that need to conserve energy, but other birds that don't migrate long distances don't.

[@WildStar2002]

Have you ever noticed that when geese fly this way, one leg of the "V" is always longer than the other one? This is because there are more geese on that side.

[@_vicary]

Green and Greene, surnames are interesting.

[@ypn.official]

@1:22 Berdicology lab

[@kevind814]

It's also interesting that the birds in the V take turns in the lead to share the burden

[@jacqueshuot6288]

How is it that the birds flying in those amazing 3D waves not collide with each other ....ever?

[@andrewanderson8958]

Does anyone know why one line of the V is usually longer then the other?

[@akpsyche1299]

Did you think we wouldn't notice that you put Berd in the thumbnail picture?

[@paytonhennessey9845]

@scishow Do a video on how life on earth could evolve in the future

[@Weirdoid]

I heard flocks also give more eyes to watch for predators and more members to harass them.

[@davewave3753]

Ever notice ducks flying overhead? Ever notice the V-shape of their flight pattern? Ever notice how one line of the "V" is longer than the other? Ever wondered why? More ducks in that line.

[@marxtheenigma873]

The flock in the thumbnail looks like Berd

[@nickc3657]

1:23 Birdy cology lab

[@mage1over137]

Another fun fact, you know why one leg of V is usually shorter than the leg? It has less birds in it.

[@DrLongWang]

Erick Green, there’s another Green?

[@stevehall383]

I wonder how they decide which one flies in front?

[@Skylancer727]

I always thought of it looking more like a checkmark. ✔

[@WillMoff0]

Eric Greene? the 4th Green brother is an ornathologist!

[@deluxeedition4639]

interesting!

[@SBRYDER650]

Shout out to the teachers that put money in this sci shows respects yo

[@KitsukiiPlays]

This is v interesting!

[@bleplord404]

1:11 bird error lol

[@dontspikemydrink9382]

WHAT ERROR

[@captainkeyes9913]

I have been thinking, what would happen if a new planet, as rare as it might be, had suddenly drifted in from another system and started orbiting the sun?

[@arcaneusumbra1539]

Short answer: because birds are cool

[@Weirdoid]

Why do some birds like finches and woodpeckers fly in an undulating pattern.

[@DeathbyPixels]

Just watched a video on feathered antarctic dinosaurs and immediately came to one on modern dinosaurs lol

[@PamdaDev]

how on earth did birds picked up on the pattern "flying V shape saves energy"?

[@JohnCena8351]

Probably years and years of trial and error. They may not know why it saves energy, but they definitely feel that it's easier to stay up in the air if they fly behind another bird. That being said, salute to the leader bird that selfless flies right on the front to navigate the other Birds without getting the extra engergy!

[@albertjurkowski9038]

Pause at 0:32 ... Does anyone else see the birds backwards as eagles before noticing they are not eagles??

[@ThaFashionAssassin]

Flying V!

[@funnyvideosi5121]

لااله الاالله محمد رسول الله

[@alecnolastname4362]

Cyclists draft eachother in a similar way. Two lines moveing in a circular motion. Two people leading two lines, one going slighter faster than the other.

[@VBrinkV]

Berd

[@nerine9301]

Professor Eric Green. Any relation?😃🦅🦆🦢🦉🦩

[@adkinsyum]

OK. Now do you know why one side (of the "V") is longer than the other? Friend told me this once like it was something I should know. I fell for it: MORE GEESE.

[@xnirvanaXnevermindx]

woo birbs

[@nancynickerson4341]

Some birds are free thinkers. They don't like to follow a leader.

[@sirBrouwer]

they are free like a bird

[@vendetta1429]

I see birb

[@RobertPilla]

because the ones who don't were out drinking last night.

[@Rien--]

bruv i dont know why you ask me

[@EZBMX713]

So they can see past each other? I'ma watch videos

[@hamilpatel4025]

neat

[@richard3921]

because some of the bird species have never seen The Mighty Ducks.

[@J0STS0MEGUy]

Hey Scishow! Here is a question for you- What is that depression in the roof of our mouths for??

[@n3v3rg01ngback]

Why does any bird fly in a V formation?

[@69magic]

the birds i see fly on their own

[@MyChilepepper]

So they zigzag past you.

[@marcodev3375]

Does birds have VTOL capability?

[@Ayan44]

One of the most interesting questions ever

[@7-ten]

So the poor leader bird is doing the hardest work ️ ☹️ 🐦

[@Abc-tx5hy]

no, they switch places regularly.

[@PaiviProject]

Okay cool now I know 👍