Flight: form follows function

The wing shape differs depending on the bird‘s flying technique. In many cases the wing shape is determined not only by aerodynamics but also by the habitat. In woodland, shorter rounder wings enable better manoeuvrability between the trees whereas in open areas elongated shapes are often more efficient.

Gliding birds exploit the air currents over the sea or thermals and can thus spend hours in the air without a wing beat. Their long stiff wings are perfect aerofoils – however, they are less suited to agile flight manoeuvres. Birds of prey achieve high speeds with their sharply tapered wings. Migratory birds also make use of this wing shape
to cover long distances at a fast travelling speed. Most small birds are not capable of energy-neutral gliding – their wing surface is too small for this. Instead of this they are able to start especially fast and land precisely in almost any kind of terrain.