Abstract
Migrating Crane flocks were tracked over southern Sweden with a tracking radar and an aircraft. Air speeds and rates of climb in thermals were recorded, and behaviour was observed. The Cranes flew faster than soaring theory would predict, and also used varying amounts of muscle power on the interthermal glides. We estimate that their use of thermals and partially powered glides substantially reduced the energetic cost of flying unit distance, but at the expense of a reduction in average speed. The behaviour required for soaring is elaborate, and the selection pressures for and against it are discussed. Crane flocks were seen to split up and recombine in a way which suggested that they were not stable social units.
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