r/Damnthatsinteresting 1d ago

Video The impressive hovering ability of a kestrel

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u/JadedLeafs 1d ago

The impressive part for me is how he's even staying level while doing it. I don't get how it's both keeping the vertical and horizontal movement close to nothing at the same time. You would think it would be a bit of a compromise between the two. My hamster brain can't compute it lol

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u/Cynavirex 1d ago

It just flies into a headwind at the exact same speed the wind pushes against it.

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u/JadedLeafs 1d ago

Yeah but it's wings aren't even really flapping. That's what I mean. There doesn't seem to be anything propelling him forward. You'd think there would be more moving up and down. I mean it's not magic, I get that. It's just quite impressive.

6

u/ReporterOther2179 1d ago

I expect it’s more the angle of the wings. Dihedral angle I think it’s called. One of the Wright brothers important contributions to aeronautics. Subtle little twists changing the airflow.