RoozGozinEndurance Flying Birds Like Andean Condors Use Less Energy Than Swimming
A 17-year study of 850 birds and bats shows Andean condors consume 79% less energy than swans of similar weight—less even than swimming.
Importance: 75 of 100
According to research published in Science and based on 17 years of data from 850 birds and bats, the energy cost of natural flight differs significantly from textbook teachings and must consider atmospheric conditions like air currents. The Andean condor, which rarely flaps its wings, consumes about 79% less energy than an equally weighted swan—actually less energy than swimming, traditionally considered very low cost.