Avian Wall Walking: The Physics Behind Birds' Ability to Run Up Walls

  • Thread starter bcrowell
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation discussed a new biology application involving birds that are born well-developed and able to run up steep slopes. This ability is achieved through the use of wing-flapping to produce an increased normal force, similar to a spoiler on a racing car. It was also mentioned that birds have an inbuilt gravity inversion generator which allows them to make gravity work in their favor. Overall, this discovery is considered to be quite remarkable.
  • #1
bcrowell
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Insights Author
Gold Member
6,724
429
I spend a lot of time teaching physics to biology majors, so I'm always happy to come across a good biology application. This one seems destined to be a classic for textbooks:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/science/04birds.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=bird dial&st=cse

Birds such a turkeys and quail are born well developed rather than being totally dependent on their parents like most chicks. They can't fly yet, but they can run, and they can run up steep slopes. The adults can run up vertical tree trunks, or even overhangs at angles of as much as 105 degrees! They way they do it is by flapping their wings to produce an increased normal force. It's analogous to the spoiler on a racing car.

Cool!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Nope.
Birds have an inbuilt gravity inversion generator. They make gravity work beneficially for them (i.e, upwards), and keeps the balance by wing-flapping (reinstituting direction of local gravity).

Quite amazing, agreed? :smile:
 

Related to Avian Wall Walking: The Physics Behind Birds' Ability to Run Up Walls

1. How do birds walk up walls?

Birds have specialized feet and claws that allow them to grip onto vertical surfaces and walk up them. This adaptation is known as "climbing" and is commonly seen in woodpeckers, nuthatches, and treecreepers.

2. Do all birds have the ability to walk up walls?

No, not all birds have the physical adaptations necessary to walk up walls. It is mostly seen in birds that forage for insects on tree trunks and need to be able to move in a vertical direction.

3. Why do birds walk up walls?

Birds walk up walls for a variety of reasons, such as foraging for food, escaping predators, or building nests. It is a useful skill for birds that live in tree-dwelling habitats.

4. Are there any risks or dangers associated with birds walking up walls?

Birds that walk up walls may be at risk for falling if they lose their grip or encounter a slippery surface. Additionally, some birds, such as woodpeckers, can cause damage to trees by creating holes while climbing.

5. Can birds walk up all types of walls?

Birds are generally able to walk up most vertical surfaces, including walls made of wood, brick, or stone. However, they may have difficulty on smooth or slick surfaces, such as metal or glass.

Similar threads

NYT review of How the hippies saved physics
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
22
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top