# The Aerodynamic Mechanisms of the Formation Flight of Migratory Birds: A Narrative Review
###### Abstract  
Recently, significant advances have marked the scientific knowledge of the formation flight of migratory birds. Both experimental and theoretical research have played a central role in understanding the aerodynamic mechanisms associated with this behavior, laying the groundwork for future investigations into the benefits of group formation. These studies have specifically demonstrated the energy savings achieved by birds adopting this practice. Technological evolution, in turn, has opened new perspectives, allowing an in-depth experimental understanding of the flight behaviors of birds in formation, ranging from their energy saving to sophisticated aerodynamic strategies. Studies converge towards an increasing recognition of the complexity and variability of the mechanisms governing formation flight in different avian species. Recent progress in computer modeling has generated impressive visual representations of V-formation flight, prompting several hypotheses about its functions and mechanisms. However, the challenge persists in the ability to test these hypotheses. In conclusion, a multidisciplinary approach involving biologists, engineers, mathematicians, computer scientists, and physicists is essential to unravel the mysteries of the aerodynamics of V-formation flight in migratory birds. This literature review aims to compile studies addressing aerodynamic questions related to the formation flight of migratory birds, exploring various aspects from aerodynamic modeling to energy saving and formation optimization.  
m _Applied_  
**Citation:** [PERSON]; [PERSON]; [PERSON] [PERSON]; [PERSON] [PERSON] The Aerodynamic Mechanisms of the Formation Flight of Migratory Birds: A Narrative Review. _Appl. Sci._**2024**, 14, 5402.  
interdisciplinary approach, where aerodynamic modeling plays an increasingly significant role in explaining why birds adopt specific formations in flight [22; 23; 24]. Aerodynamics, introduced with modern science, has unveiled some secrets related to the organization of formations of migratory birds in organized flight. By observing how birds exploit the aerodynamic and energy benefits of formation flight, engineers can design similar strategies for aircraft, improving their fuel efficiency and autonomy. This biomimetic approach opens up prospects for optimizing flight operations by drawing inspiration from nature. This is precisely what inspired Airbus' fello'fly project [25], aimed at demonstrating the technical, operational and commercial viability of two aircraft flying close together on a long-haul flight. This collaborative project has the potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, the environmental impact of commercial aircraft thanks to collaborative flight.  
The primary objective of this literature review is to scrutinize and dissect studies delving into the aerodynamics associated with the formation flight of migratory birds, particularly concentrating on aerodynamic modeling, energy conservation, and the spatial arrangement of formations. In this comprehensive synthesis, we aim to emphasize that, despite the emergence of novel theoretical, experimental, and numerical approaches, the pivotal role of field observation remains unchanged. However, the progress in this domain, be it recent or anticipated, hinges predominantly on the collaborative efforts of physicists, mathematicians, computer scientists, and, notably, field biologists.