Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
(a)
(b)
FIG 4.40
Bird wing. a: Top side.
b: Underside.
As we have already seen, flying is a remarkable and very efficient way of
traveling that enables birds to travel over thousands of miles without ever
having to land. Some birds are capable of flying at altitudes of around 25,000
feet. The peregrine falcon,
Falco peregrinus
, is capable of reaching speeds of
around 200 miles an hour, making it the fastest animal on earth. The swift
spends the majority of its life on the wing, coming to earth only to lay eggs
and feed its young. Swifts even mate on the wing. All of these achievements
are a result of the development of the wing.
FIG 4.41
Different wing profiles
result in different types of flying.
A: These wings are suitable for regular
flapping during the powered flight of
passerines. B: More rounded wings
are suitable for the slow silent flying
of owls. C: Large wings with splayed
out primary feathers are suitable for
the soaring of eagles. D: Long, slender
crescent shaped wings are suitable
for the high speeds of swifts and
swallows. E: Shorter, broader wings
allow for the maneuverability within
undergrowth, as seen in birds such
as pheasants. F: Large ratio wings
allow for gliding with very little need
for powered flight, as seen in the
albatrosses.
