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Bird Flight: Masters of the AirEvolution of bird flight was always a mystery for the man. Scientists discovered the mechanism of bird flights. In 1861,However, there was much controversy and debate, whether this 150 million year old Archaeopteryx had the ability to fly or not. The archaeopteryx was similar to dinosaurs with rib bones over its stomach, a mouth lined with teeth, and a long tail. It also possessed typical features of birds such as feathers on the forelimbs and tail, large eye sockets, long forelimbs and hands with respect to leg limbs, and a reversed toe on each foot. Scientist discovery led to the conclusion that Archaeopteryx flapped its wings while running to gain speed to escape from predators or chase prey. When running Archaeopteryx hit certain speed, the flapping of its wings created energy for the birds to fiy. According to a model based on fossil records and study in aerodynamics, they estimated that the creature could fly at a speed of 15 mph. Some scientists who opposed this theory claimed that the birds did not have muscle power to flap hard or fast to lift their bodies into the air. They even argued that the reversed toe on each foot, similar to the reversed toes of modern day birds, did not allow the creature to run.. Rather, this toe was better suited for Archaeopteryx to life on the trees and perching on branches. According to these Scientists, ancestors of birds would have been living in the trees and evolved feathers to help them jump from branch to branch and slow down the speed at which they fell during the descent of a jump. These feathers later helped them in gliding from branch to branch, and finally enabled the birds to fly. This theory was based on the flight technique of bats, flying squirrels, pterosaurs and ancient flying reptilian animals, learned to fly. Some scientists also advocated that the mechanism involved in the parental care of early birds, led the birds gain the ability to glide and fly by flapping their wings.Birds grow rapidly in about 1 year and start to fly when growth is nearly completed. It's the particular shape of the wings called an airfoil that makes birds fly. Wings are made of feathers, which are made of tough and flexible material called "keratin. Another feature is its tail, which acts as the rudder, balancing and steering the bird. Tail also acts as a brake when the bird is landing down. How Wings Help In Flying?Wings help the birds pierce through air by pushing them to make numerous acrobatics movement unimaginable by man. A bird's wing is curved on top and flat or slightly curved on the bottom. Shape of the wing is called an airfoil (by a Scientist Bernoulli).Birds launch themselves into the air by using their leg muscles to push against a perch or to jump from the ground. At the same time they will start flapping their wings. The tips of the bird wings not only flap up and down but also twist forward. This twisting motion propels the bird to fly forward. The rest of the wing remains flat in relation to the flow of air and so provides lift. Some birds continue to fly mainly by flapping their wings. Others combine flapping flights with gliding or soaring. In gliding, birds keep their wings extended and coast downward through the air by using little energy. In soaring, birds use the energy of air moments to propel themselves without having to flap their wings. They may use winds or heated rising air or cold front. How Speed Helps Birds In Lifting UpBirds pick up speed by flapping their wings in a forward motion, which is called thrust. Bird's wing gives power to the birds to take speed while flying. Feathers attached to the " hand" bones gives thrust to the bird and allows the bird to pierce through the air. If speed is doubled, the bird gets four times the lift and if tripled it get nine times the lift.Gliding Of BirdsEagles and vultures glide miles at a stretch. They make a gliding moment by an upward movement of air called thermals, which the birds use for upward push. Thermals are produced by the heat of the Sun.Some obstruction currents in the atmosphere, also propels the birds to fly. The Birds "ride" over these currents, pushing them to make flying movements. They can also soar high using tide winds. These winds give power to them for gliding, which is also called dynamic soaring. Continue to : Different Forms of Bird Flight Patterns Related ArticlesBasic Bird Watching GearTop Rated Bird Watching Binoculars How to Set Up a Backyard Bird Cam Basics of Bird Photography  Bookmark
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