Birds are interesting and smart creatures. Why do some species always gather in packs, while others prefer a lonely lifestyle?
Flights During Migration
A flock is a group of birds that come together. If we are talking about the period of seasonal migration, then as part of a flock of birds it is much more convenient and safer to cross long distances. First of all, it is connected with security. If a bird flies alone, a predator appearing on its way will certainly pay attention to it. When a whole group migrates, the chance to survive in a dangerous situation is much greater.
Also in a lonely flight, a bird can easily stray off course. And if there are feathered relatives nearby, the flock will surely get to the right place. If you look closely at the shape of the flock, you will notice that most often birds fly in a wedge. Sometimes there are other forms - a rank, an arc and others, but a wedge is the most common option.
Interesting fact: flock, as a rule, form a family of birds. This is especially true for large individuals, for example, geese or storks. They will not take a stranger with them on a flight. For small birds, like sparrows, kinship is not particularly important. They have numerous flocks, the search for food does not cause difficulties.
The wedge-shaped bird shape is chosen for several reasons. Firstly, every pack has a leader. Unlike other animals, this “position” all the time passes from one bird to another right in the process of flight. In other words, they just swap places. Leaders are usually the most powerful and hardy representatives of the pack.They perform several important functions. Firstly, the leader sets the flight direction. Young birds that migrate for the first time definitely need the help and protection of more experienced breeding stocks.
Secondly, flying in the front row is the most difficult. The point is air resistance. The leader in front creates air currents that help the following birds save energy. They don’t have to work wings so hard. As a result, the flight lasts longer without forced stops, everyone moves uniformly and no one lags behind.
All members of the flock try to take lateral places in the wedge in order to feel as little air resistance as possible. However, sooner or later, the leader also gets tired. In this case, another bird takes its place. Thus, changes in the system occur many times during the entire migration flight.
Out-of-season bird behavior
Outside the migration season, joint flights are convenient for some birds. In this case, the same security rule works - it is easier to survive in a pack. However, a new reason is being added - the search for food. All birds that feed on the same type of food prefer to get together. It’s easier and more convenient for them. For example, cereals, fruits and berries, fish - these are feeds that are concentrated in one place and in large quantities. Birds do not have to compete with each other, there is enough food for the whole flock.
As for the birds, who prefer a lonely lifestyle, they have no reason to join the pack. For example, woodpeckers remain wintering at their usual habitat - there is no need for migration.They feed on insects, and in winter - seeds of conifers. Consequently, obtaining food is not easy, not to mention sharing it with others. Also, these are often birds of prey - owls, hawks. Hunting with other "competitors" is not profitable for them.
Interesting fact: Even single birds can sometimes be found in a group. As a rule, they represent one family - parents and chicks who have just learned to fly.
Flocks of birds fly that migrate in the winter to warm lands. As part of a group, they feel safer and do not go astray. Outside of migration, poultry flocks obtain publicly available food - cereals, fruits and berries, fish, etc. Predatory animals that need to hunt and find it difficult to get their food do not gather in packs. Also stand alone birds that do not migrate over long distances.
