Why do geese fly in a V formation? They have a good reason. Learn how it helps them as they travel long distances for water and food.
It’s a classic migration-season image: a flock of Canada geese flying across the sky, their progress marked by a chain of honks and steady wingbeats. Of birds that migrate for winter, most people likely have the greatest familiarity with Canada geese. They’re common throughout the majority of North America at all times of year, although their migratory behaviors vary; those with a range in Canada tend to migrate farthest, whereas other populations go shorter distances or stay put. Regardless, anyone who looks up and spots a flock of geese might wonder — why do geese fly in a V formation? As it turns out, they have a good reason.
How Does a V Formation Help Geese?
As Dr. Lina Rifai, associate professor of vertebrate biology at Indiana University-Kokomo, explains, that classic V formation has to do with energy conservation. According to her — and plenty of scientific research — when Canada geese form their classic V, they’re trailing the vortex of the bird in front of them. This added lift helps limit wind resistance, meaning the birds expend 20 to 30% less energy than they would if they flew alone.
“Birds really coordinate the distance, wingbeats, and everything so they can be the most energetically efficient,” Lina says. Flying in a V might also help the birds communicate and allow them to see each other while traveling across long distances.
Learn more about surprising ways that birds migrate.
Other Birds That Fly in a V Formation
While most associate the V with Canada geese, they aren’t the only birds to migrate in this formation. Pelicans, cranes, cormorants, ibises, and more all utilize the same flight pattern, and for the same reasons.
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Which Goose Leads the Group?
It’s important to note that the lead goose doesn’t gain any benefit from the lift generated by other birds. The leader expends the most energy and takes responsibility for guiding the group. For that reason, the lead bird tends to fit a certain profile.
“When you look at migration,” Lina says, “it’s the most experienced ones that lead.” When a leading goose tires, it drops to the back of the flock. From there, another goose takes over.
Lina points out that all members of the flock will eventually have to take a leadership position. Young geese learn migration routes and V-shaped migratory flight from older members of the group, so those who haven’t migrated before wouldn’t start out leading.
“They won’t put the rookie in the front right away, mostly because they don’t know the route yet,” Lina says. “They don’t have the GPS yet.” Eventually, though, even those first-migration members of the group will be called on to fly at the front.
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About the Expert
Dr. Lina Rifai is an associate professor of vertebrate biology at Indiana University-Kokomo. She earned a Ph.D. in behavioral ecology from the University of Louisville.
