What is the difference between soaring and gliding in birds?

[violetvera]

What is the difference between soaring and gliding in birds?

Are they the same thing?

 

[cesiumfrog]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_soaring"

 

[quicknote]

Soaring and gliding are two distinct forms of flight in birds. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two.

Soaring is a type of flight that involves using rising air currents to stay aloft. Birds that soar have the ability to maintain their altitude or even gain altitude without flapping their wings. They do this by using rising air currents, such as thermals or updrafts, to keep themselves airborne. This form of flight is most commonly seen in birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks, as well as large seabirds like albatrosses.

On the other hand, gliding is a type of flight that involves using gravity to descend while maintaining a relatively horizontal position. Gliding birds use their wings to control their descent and stay aloft, but they do not actively flap their wings to generate lift. This form of flight is seen in a variety of birds, including seabirds, shorebirds, and even some smaller birds like finches.

One key difference between soaring and gliding is the amount of energy required. Soaring birds can stay airborne for extended periods of time without expending much energy, as they are able to use rising air currents to maintain their altitude. Gliding birds, on the other hand, must constantly adjust their wings and body position to control their descent, requiring more energy expenditure.

In summary, soaring and gliding are two distinct forms of flight in birds. Soaring involves using rising air currents to stay aloft, while gliding involves using gravity to descend while maintaining a relatively horizontal position. While they may seem similar, the difference in energy expenditure and flight patterns make them unique forms of flight in the avian world.