Differing Feathers

When different species of birds flock together, their flight interactions are determined by social dynamics both between and within a species. For centuries, scientists have been puzzled by the unified behavior of flocks of birds. One ornithologist even suggested they might be guided by telepathy. Other experts have suggested more reasonable explanations. One noted that mathematical models show that coordinated group movements can be generated by repeated interactions among individuals following simple rules. However, these models usually rely on the assumption that individuals within groups are identical and interact independently, which may or may not reflect reality. Interactions depend on social dynamics between the different species as well as relationships within a species.