When birds fly in formation, like a letter "V", do they elect the head

Question:Or how does that work? Can we learn something from their process?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Or how does that work? Can we learn something from their process?

Since migrating successfuly is a matter of survival, nature probably demands of them that the strongest *at that moment* takes the lead. When they see the lead bird tiring, a bird that feels up to the demand will unthinkingly relieve him. If ants and bees can act as if from one cause, why not higher species?

They actually take turns, and it's not clear (as far as I know) how the decision is made. They certainly don't have a formal process of election.

not sure but i think its all about whos the biggest and the strongest.

They have an election every 4 years

Birds take turns being in front. The front position gets the most wind and tires quickly. I think we have already learned from their process.

More or less! I've heard that the birds in the V are actually cheering on the leader.

I believe they take turns, as the head bird gets the most wind against him(her).

I don't think they choose any leader. Whoever is in the position to lead, becomes their leader. And when it's done, the leader bird just gives up the role. They don't have an ego to stroke... they're birds.

i think they do a race, and whoever proves himself (or HER self, chicken) better than the average joe, they let IT be first...

The leader leads until he/she is tired then he/she drops back and one of the next in line takes over ......it is rotation of the strongest and fittest.

Birds V-pattern is like penguins circle. They take turns.

To the best of our knowledge, the V formation is instinctually driven. The single bird at the bottom of the "V" is no leader in the human sense of the word. It seems to get into that position by chance as the other birds gather around it and form the rest of the "v".

Harleigh Kyson Jr.