Antarctic soil no. 726 and implications for the Viking labeled release experiment

Locomotion efficiency for a variety of animals may be improved by group movement in specific formations. A theory of formation flight developed by Lissaman & Shollenberger (1970) predicts birds may obtain energy savings through the use of a vee formation. Measurements of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) (Gould < Heppner, 1974) suggested an aerodynamic advantage was unlikely. However, further analysis of this data to obtain the critical formation parameter (wing tip spacing) suggests the theory may apply. The theory is modified to better account for the characteristics of a vee formation and adapted to the specific case of the Canada goose. The relationships between observed and optimal formations suggest that energy savings could be an important function of vee formations.