Hi! Let’s learn about birds that fly in a V!

Birds sometimes fly together in shapes that look like the letter V. There are three words people use: V-formation, bird wedge, and bird skein. I will make them easy to understand.

1. V-formation

This means the birds make a big V in the sky. Imagine two lines of birds that meet at the point — that is a V. It looks like this: V

2. Bird wedge

Wedge is another name for a V. It is the same idea — a V shape. Sometimes people say wedge when the V is a little pointier, but mostly it means the same as V-formation.

3. Bird skein

"Skein" is a fun word that means a group of birds flying together. A skein can be in a V shape or in other patterns. So a skein is the whole family of birds in the sky.

Why do birds fly like that?

• To save energy: Each bird rides the little lift of air made by the bird in front. This makes flying easier, like riding behind someone on a bike.
• To see and talk: They can look at each other and keep together as a team.
• To take turns: The front bird works hardest, then other birds take a turn leading.

How you can try it (fun game)

1. Make little paper birds or use stuffed animals.
2. Put them on the floor in a V shape (two lines that meet at a point).
3. Have one child be the leader at the point of the V, then swap so everyone gets a turn.
4. Talk about how the birds in the back get an easier time — they can pretend to be less tired!

That’s it — V-formation and wedge mean the V shape, and skein means the flock of birds flying together. Happy bird watching!