How birds soar on thermals?

Soaring on thermals is a technique used by many birds, including large soaring birds such as eagles, vultures, storks, and hawks, as well as smaller birds such as kestrels, swallows, and swifts. Thermals are columns of warm air that rise from the ground, often forming over sun-heated surfaces like fields, roads, and rocky slopes. These columns of warm air provide lift for birds, allowing them to soar upwards and glide over long distances without flapping their wings. Here's how birds soar on thermals:

1. Finding Thermals:

- Birds have specialized senses that help them detect thermals, including their excellent vision and sensitivity to air temperature changes. They can spot the slightest variations in the landscape that indicate the presence of rising warm air.

2. Gliding into Thermals:

- Once a bird locates a thermal, it positions itself to enter the rising column of warm air. It does this by gliding in a spiral or circling motion, gaining altitude as it enters the thermal.

3. Riding the Thermal:

- As the bird ascends within the thermal, it spreads its wings and allows the rising air to carry it upwards. The thermal acts like a natural elevator, providing lift and keeping the bird airborne without much effort.

4. Gliding Between Thermals:

- After reaching a certain height, the bird may glide out of the thermal and search for another one nearby. It uses the altitude gained from the previous thermal to cover horizontal distance by gliding, until it locates another thermal to ride.

5. Conserving Energy:

- Soaring on thermals is an efficient way for birds to conserve energy. They can travel long distances without flapping their wings extensively, reducing the amount of energy they expend during flight.

6. Navigating with Thermals:

- Some birds, particularly migratory species, use thermals to aid in navigation during long-distance journeys. They utilize predictable thermal patterns to gain altitude and travel in desired directions.

7. Group Soaring:

- Some birds, such as vultures, often soar in groups or flocks, taking advantage of the same thermals. Soaring in a group can provide social benefits, such as increased chances of finding thermals and sharing information about food and predators.

Soaring on thermals is a remarkable adaptation that enables birds to exploit the natural convection currents in the atmosphere. By skillfully utilizing these columns of rising air, birds can soar to great heights and travel efficiently over long distances, making them masters of the skies.