Flight Speed and Directional Responses to Wind by Migrating Canada Geese

• Published in: The Auk
• Main Authors: Wege, Michael L., Raveling, Dennis G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 1984
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Canada; Branta canadensis
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/auk/101.2.342; http://academic.oup.com/auk/article-pdf/101/2/342/30079878/auk0342.pdf

Abstract We monitored headings, flight speeds, and time of flight of nine transmittertagged giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) during 10 different autumn migration flights during which data on wind directions and speeds were also available. Destination of these individuals was known because of previous observations of the same birds. This enabled us to evaluate their headings with respect to wind drift. As the magnitude of the following component of the wind increased, air speeds of migrating geese declined while ground speeds were not significantly changed. Therefore, the cost of transport over the ground, and probably metabolic rate, were minimized. Headings of migrant geese varied systematically and significantly with wind direction, but track directions did not deviate significantly from the goal direction. Thus, the geese compensated for wind drift. Visual reference to landmarks may have been the cue used to correct for drift, as weather conditions were such that geese could see the ground.