According to scientists, they have solved the mystery behind birds’ flight. A small vortex of air, which is formed on the wing, is the reason behind their apparently effortless turns while flying and the smoothness of their landing.

Birds make use of a small group of feathers called ‘the alula’ during slow and steep flight like landing. The alula is a thumb-like structure, present at the bend of the wing. It has been found by researchers at the Seoul National University in South Korea that flight of the birds is made possible by a small vortex of air, which is formed at the tip of the alula feathers.

The researchers are looking forward to use the way the alula works in creating a device that allows the air vehicles to turn in a better way. Dr Sang-im Lee, the first author of the study, said birds can even fly without the alula. However, with the alula, it seems that they turn more easily.

The researchers also conducted wind tunnel experiments where the movement of tiny particles around magpie wings was visualized. It was observed that a small vortex from the alula tip compresses the air flow over the wing, making the air flow better connected to the wing surface.

According to research team member Dr. Jooha Kim, “For the wing to fly better, the air has to move closer to the wing. Although the alula is small, it creates enough vortex to prevent the air flow from being detached from the wing".