How does a bird take off for flight?

It takes a lot of energy for a bird to go from standing to flying as it takes off for flight.

A small bird does a simple jump and flaps its wings.

A large bird needs more than a jump. A large bird takes a run up, just like a plane does when it taxies on the airport runway.

Secretary Bird

A large bird faces into the wind and runs fast with its wings outstretched, and then takes off.

If a large bird is in a tree or on a cliff, it drops into the air and begins to flap its wings or holds them outstretched for the wind to lift it upwards.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM