Wing tucks are a response to atmospheric turbulence in the soaring flight of the steppe eagle Aquila nipalensis

摘要: Turbulent atmospheric conditions represent a challenge to stable flight in soaring birds, which are often seen drop their wings transient motion that we call tuck. Here, investigate the mechanics, occurrence and causation of wing tucking captive steppe eagle Aquila nipalensis, using groundbased video onboard inertial instrumentation. Statistical analysis 2594 tucks, identified automatically from 45 flights, reveals tucks occur more frequently under higher turbulence. Furthermore, usually preceded by increases airspeed, load factor pitch rate, consistent with bird encountering headwind gust. The tuck itself immediately follows rapid angle attack, caused downdraft or nose-down motion, produces factor. Positive aerodynamic loading acts elevate wings, resulting moment must therefore be balanced an opposing musculoskeletal moment. Wing presumably occurs when reduction is not met equivalent applied We conclude gust response precipitated loading.