Page 22 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

INTRODUCTION

FLIGHT

ll the birds that are found within Europe can fly. It is this
A ability that allows them to travel the globe, moving far and
wide to exploit seasonal abundances of food while escaping any
shortages. It is fascinating that these small creatures are able to
fly across oceans, mountains, and deserts, although such
journeys often tax them to the limit.Their most significant
features,which provide them with the means to fly and HOVERING LESSER KESTREL
control the direction of that flight,are their wings and tail. Birds of prey can hover while they search for food.
To do this, they position their head into the wind,
flicker their wings, and fan their tail.
WING AND TAIL SHAPE
The shape of wings varies from species to species (as wings allow for shorter bursts of rapid, whirring beats
shown below), and is largely dependent on the type and provide fast acceleration – useful for ground-
of flight used. Generally, long, narrow wings (such as dwelling birds escaping predators.Tails are used for
a Swallow’s) are most efficient for sustained, fluent, balance, steering, and braking; a long, stiff tail ensures
manoeuvrable flight. Long, broad wings enable many good balance while a forked tail or long tail that can
birds to ride the winds using little energy. Short, round open and close like a fan acts as a rudder and a brake.

LONG- SWALLOW KESTREL GREAT TIT CHAFFINCH BUZZARD
TAILED short,
TIT broad,
round
rounded
short,
slim, long,
angled flexible fan medium notched
length,
very square
long long, deeply long, short, short, long,
and thin forked narrow blunt wide rounded
PHEASANT long, angled,
long spike, bowed and very broad
wide base flexible
and blunt
notched,
fanned, short,
stiff, fingered twisted RED KITE stiff LAPWING
EXPERT EAGLE BALANCE AND CONTROL
A White-tailed Eagle raises its Large birds such as eagles and buzzards have a delicacy
wings, separates the wingtip in the air that belies their size and shape.Their fingered
feathers to allow air to slip through, primary feathers are “notched” on each side, creating
fans its tail as a brake, then swings slots at the wingtip to increase stability within flight
forward to strike with its feet. It
uses powerful wing flaps to climb and reduce turbulence.Their remarkable
away from the water with its load. balance and precise control in flight allow
them to home in on and catch their prey.

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