Is there a pecking order in a flock of birds and which are the stragglers at the end?
鈥� Whether it is V-formation flying or just general flocking, in neither case does dominance seem to relate to leadership. In other words, the pecking order when birds are on the ground does not appear to influence which individuals take leadership roles when they are in flight.
When it comes to V-shape flight patterns, the worst position to be in is the leader, because this is the most energetically demanding. It is much better to be behind another bird. A study on northern bald ibis showed that there is a degree of reciprocity when it comes to this position, so no bird gets stuck there too long.
Advertisement
For more general flocking birds, one study in pigeons showed that . The flight hierarchy had more to do with other kinds of competencies, like local knowledge.
Kaeli Swift
University of Washington, Seattle, US
鈥� I once observed a murmuration . The lead bird swooped lower and lower over the surface of the sea, spectacularly skimming the waves. Then on one pass, it misjudged and plunged into the water followed by hundreds who were playing 鈥渇ollow the leader鈥�.
They all managed to extricate themselves, but the pier railings were a sorry sight for some time as they tried to dry themselves off, before heading to their roost under the pier. My feeling was that the disgraced leader would never be allowed to assume that role again.
John Ford
Amersham, Buckinghamshire, UK
We pay 拢25 for every answer published in 快猫短视频. To answer this question 鈥� or ask a new one 鈥� email lastword@newscientist.com.
Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.
快猫短视频 retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.
You can also submit answers by post to: The Last Word, 快猫短视频, 25 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ES.