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See also: The Parachute, Why Are Birds Able to Fly?, The Airship, The Hot-Air Balloon and Its Physics, Our Hot-Air Balloon, The Helicopter, Paper Airplanes, A Portrait Gallery of the Bat Family | ![]() ![]() |
The Reason Why a Bird is Light
In order to be able to fly, a bird has to be as light as possible. The plumage is especially light due to the hollow base of the shaft. Additionally, the wings create a bearing surface, which enables the bird to fly. The bones are filled with air and do not have any bone marrow. Furthermore, birds have air sacs in their body, which add to the birds’ lightness. Birds feed on food high in fat and protein, which is utilised and secreted very quickly and therefore, reduces the weight, too. In addition, birds do not have to drink a lot, as they hardly perspire or secrete liquid urine. This lightweight build is a major requirement for birds to fly. |
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Last Update: 2004-Feb-29 |