Portugal et al. 2014
Portugal SJ, Hubel TY, Fritz J, Heese S, Trobe D, Voelkl B, Hailes S, Wilson AM & Usherwood JR 2014.
Upwash exploitation and downwash avoidance by flap phasing in ibis formation flight.
Nature, 505: 399-402
Many species travel in highly organized groups. The most quoted function of these configurations is to reduce energy expenditure and enhance locomotory performance of individuals in the assemblage. The distinctive V formation of bird flocks has long intrigued researchers and continues to attract both scientific and popular attention.
