Bird Banking in Flight

A bird tilts and curves through the air with its tail spread wide. Its wings bend at two joints so it can change direction, adjust speed, and slow before landing.

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Age 13: open this week

In the picture

Fanned tail feathers: spread wide to create drag and help the bird brake.
Elbow joint: bends to reshape the wing during a turn.
Wrist joint: bends to twist the outer wing and adjust airflow.
Wingtip feathers: separate to smooth airflow and control roll.

Examples

A pigeon spreading its tail just before it lands on a ledge.
A hawk bending its wings to curve after moving prey.

Key takeaways

Birds steer by changing wing shape and tail spread.
Jointed wings and tail feathers work together to control speed and landing.

Carry on in the app

Three questions on this lesson. It has left the free week, so its quiz is for subscribers.

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