Science
How do birds fly?
Birds fly by using the special shape of their wings to create lift. Air moving over the curved top of a wing travels faster, lowering pressure above it, so higher pressure below pushes the bird up. Flapping provides thrust to move forward.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how bird flight works.
Step by step
- 1Wings are shaped to create lift as air flows over them.
- 2Faster air above the wing lowers pressure there.
- 3Higher pressure below pushes the bird upward.
- 4Flapping generates the thrust to move forward.
Frequently asked questions
- How do birds fly?
- Their wing shape creates lift as air flows over it, while flapping provides forward thrust.
- What is lift?
- The upward force created by air moving over a wing, which holds a bird (or plane) up.
- Why can't all birds fly?
- Some, like ostriches and penguins, evolved for running or swimming and lost the ability to fly.