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How do birds fly?
Quick answer
Birds fly by using the special shape of their wings to create lift. Air moving over the curved top of a wing travels faster, lowering pressure above it, so higher pressure below pushes the bird up. Flapping provides thrust to move forward.
Step by step
- Wings are shaped to create lift as air flows over them.
- Faster air above the wing lowers pressure there.
- Higher pressure below pushes the bird upward.
- Flapping generates the thrust to move forward.
People also ask
How do birds fly?
Their wing shape creates lift as air flows over it, while flapping provides forward thrust.
What is lift?
The upward force created by air moving over a wing, which holds a bird (or plane) up.
Why can't all birds fly?
Some, like ostriches and penguins, evolved for running or swimming and lost the ability to fly.
Part of the guide: Nature & Earth: Living Things and Rocks →