Field Journal 2: Flight Physiology

Date: 02/21/2021
Start Time: 9:09am. End Time: 10:40am
Location: Davis Center circle -> Redstone -> Along S. Prospect St.
Weather: Sunny, 20 degrees F, 5mph NW wind
Habitats: Suburban environment, mix of buildings and open spaces with patches of trees. Bird Feeders also present.

View field sketch (w/ field marks) of a House Sparrow via this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X-JeKqRrbxb4XKh31Tgi8L8e7ASYbtaKQ_bh66fqFfQ/edit?usp=sharing

Bird physiology directly impacts flight behavior and mechanics. Wing shape is the main determinant of flight capabilities. Most often, bird wing shape corresponds to their habitat and niche. On an evolutionary time scale, birds wing shape was selected to best suite their habitat. For example, the Common Redpolls I observed today have elliptical wings. They are the best wing shape for maneuvering through their habitat: thicket, branches, and trees. Today, I observed these birds weaving in and out of branches in a cedar tree, between planted shrubs, and the sides of houses. They flapped their wings at a high rate and made lots of small turns and adjustments while in flight. They were never in the air for very long until landing again. This could be because they were comfortable with cover and food (nearby bird feeders) in the area I saw them today. They are able to move quickly and nimbly through this landscape in part because of their elliptical wings.
This flight pattern was a sharp contrast to the Herring Gulls I saw flying overhead today. These gulls were soaring ~40 ft in the air and rarely flapping their wings. It is clear to see that they could fly long distances without expending much energy. This is thanks to their long and narrow wings, with pointed wing tips. These high aspect ratio wings lower drag and increase lift. They suite the habitat and niche of Herring Gulls because they fly long distances in wide open spaces (with lots of wind). Flight pattern could be a great hint to identify birds. I know that a soaring, smooth flight pattern may belong to a herring gull. Or, if I see a highly maneuverable bird moving between shrubs with fast wing beats, this could clue me in that it is a Common Redpoll.

Julkaistu helmikuu 21, 2021 09:48 IP. käyttäjältä