Other birds, such as dunlins, may synchronize a subtle tilt to their bodies while in a flight flock as a way to camouflage their plumage to confuse predators. When a flock consists of just one type of bird or closely related species of birds, specialized terms are often used to describe the group. The most colorful and creative flock names include:. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.
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Using sophisticated computer modeling, Hemelrijk has documented patterns of collective escape specifically tied to the movements of a predatory hawk or falcon. Why European starlings circle the sky in such gigantic flocks for so long is a much more perplexing question. But Heppner and Cavagna say that defies logic; they point out that the birds could simply return directly to their roosts, rather than amassing into huge formations and spiraling across the sky.
You have to ask yourself, how did a mechanism like this evolve? In an attempt to solve the mystery, researchers from the University of Gloucester and the Royal Society of Biology compiled data from more than 3, murmurations, data that volunteers in 23 countries collected in and The results, published in , showed no correlation between temperature and murmuration size , leaving little support for the warmth hypothesis.
The study also reported the presence of a hawk, falcon, or other bird of prey in just under a third of the murmurations, offering some support for the predation theory—yet leaving unexplained why the birds join together in such lengthy performances.
On one characteristic of the starlings, though, researchers are in agreement: the birds are remarkably intelligent. All rights reserved. Animals News. As a falcon streaks across the evening sky in California, starling flocks form tightly packed movements called cordons. Share Tweet Email. Read This Next Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Occasionally stragglers will stop briefly in treetops.
Can you help? I am trying to identify a flock of birds seen perched in my front yard tree in Atwater, CA. The group consisted of about 30 individuals, and looked very much like ash throated flycatcher. One other thing…even though my dog and I moved around within 8 ft of this small tree, this flock showed no concern.
What do you think? Cedar Waxwings have arrived in my area in Central Massachusetts. Two flocks flew overhead in a tight oval formation no doubt with eyes on the mulberry tree in my yard. They are infrequent visitors here but nonetheless a welcome sight that Summer is on the way. While camping in NE Tennessee in late Oct.
They were a little smaller than a robin, had a rusty-red breast, black on the top of the head and around the eyes.
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