Explore how bats and birds ride the air with careful observations that reveal the mechanics of flight and control.
From field notes and diary entries, this book presents a detailed look at how wings work in the real world. It covers the range of wing parts, from quills to covert feathers, and shows how camber, arching, and varying angles of incidence help birds and flying-foxes manage speed, turning, and descent. The observations blend practical measurement with vivid descriptions of behavior in flight, offering a grounded view of aerial movement.
Using examples from both birds and flying-foxes, the text explains how tiny changes in wing shape and thumb positions affect glide, flapping, and steering. Readers will see how movements like arching, flexing, and wing-tip rotation contribute to the art of staying aloft, avoiding collisions, and perching with precision.
- How camber and wing arching influence speed and control in gliding and flapping flight
- Observations of wing parts, including quills and covert feathers, and their roles in flight
- Details on steering, canting, and the use of wing-down and wing-up positions
- Diary-derived examples of flight behavior, collision avoidance, and perching tactics
Ideal for readers interested in natural history, animal locomotion, and the science of flight, this edition presents a clear, observational approach that makes complex ideas accessible.