Geese migration - natural hierarchies? (1 Viewer)

[regmus]

Hello
I live in the North East of Scotland and am constantly fascinated by the migration of geese whom we see in large numbers in this part of the world. Forgive my ignorance, but I have often wondered about the hierarchies that seem effortlessly to establish themselves as larger and larger groups form. Do they have "natural leaders"? Do the front-runners take it in turns to take up the lead in much the same way as marathon runners do, or is it always the same leader for the entire journey. Does anyone know? And are the "natural leaders" likely to be young or old, male or female? Is there a standard pattern? Any information you could give would be much appreciated.

It occurs to me that what occurs in geese may well apply to other migrating groups but as my level of knowledge in these areas is zero I am hoping for enlightenment!

 

[Birdnewbie74]

I was just thinking about that today. I hope someone will answer.

 

[deborah4]

Hello
. Do they have "natural leaders"? Do the front-runners take it in turns to take up the lead in much the same way as marathon runners do, or is it always the same leader for the entire journey. Does anyone know? And are the "natural leaders" likely to be young or old, male or female? Is there a standard pattern?

There's no 'leader' for the entire migratory flock, they take it in turns, when one goose gets tired, it falls back and another moves in front. Not always male as far as I'm aware. They fly in 'V's as this creates the best uplift draft for each goose ie. by being placed at the wingtip of the bird in front which minimises wind drag and thus saves energy.

What's below is from the Encylopedia Americana under 'goose' but there's probably some more accessible info online if you have a google

''When each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follows. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. Geese and some other species of birds migrate in distinctive “V” or “U” formations or in lines. By taking advantage of the wing tip vortex of the bird in front, each bird can save energy by reducing drag. The energy savings in flight can be as much as 50%.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front of it.

When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Contrary to popular opinion, the lead bird of the V formation is not always an adult male; rather, the geese shift their relative positions frequently during the flight.

Migrating geese make loud, honking noises, called contact calls, to help them stay together.

When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Encounters such as detailed above, demonstrate that families of geese do not break up after the breeding season, but form strong family units that migrate and winter together until they return to their breeding ground.* ''