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Question
When we see birds flying up above, following each other, what is the explanation of all the birds following the leader. Is it because the leader makes a signal or is it related to the magnetic pull in the Earth?
There is no leader. The birds take turns being in front. The flock is not led by any particular bird. All the birds navigate by the sun, the stars, landmarks, or geomagnetic lines of force, depending on the species of bird. For more information on wild birds, see www.ornithology.com. Roger Lederer
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Lederer
Expertise
Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience
Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.
Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico
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