Bird Wings

Birds come in all shapes and sizes. They have many different types of wings that help them to fly in different ways. Some birds fly very quickly and change direction very fast. Other birds glide, or soar, for long distances. While other birds do a combination of movements. Use this site to learn as much as you can about bird wings, to help us build the best paper airplanes that we can!

Not all birds fly the same way. Not all birds have the same types of wings. While there are many different shapes that a bird's wing can be, there are four basic types of bird wings. Let's see what we can learn to help us design our paper airplanes.

Different types of Bird Wings

Soaring Wings

Soaring is a type flying that uses big, powerful flaps to help the bird cover long distances. These birds can usually be seen flying high up in the sky. These wings are a wide and medium-length. This shape allows for take-offs in smaller spaces, and controlled diving to catch prey.

These types of wings can be found on eagles, storks, hawks, vultures, and others.

Gliding Wings

Gliding wings help birds to cover very long distances with only a small amount of flapping. These birds rely on warm air currents and wind to help them travel so far. These types of wings are very long and narrow, usually with a point on the end. These birds usually need a long distance to take off so they can get a running start.

These types of wings can be found on the albatross, gulls, and other birds that mainly live near the sea.

High-Speed Wings

High speed wings are generally shorter with a more pointed shape in the middle. These wings allow the birds to fly very quickly for short distances, and change directions very fast. These birds can be seen darting around the sky with great speed.

These types of wings can be found on many smaller birds that live in one area during their lives.

Elliptical Wings

Elliptical wings are a mix of the other types of wings. These birds typically beat their wings very quickly to allow for take-off and landings in small areas that are full of trees and plants.

These types of wings are usually found on smaller birds that live in forests such as robins or sparrows.

BBC Earth - "The reasons why bird wings are so amazing"

BBC Earth made this article that describes bird wings, and the structures and functions that make bird wings such incredible things!

ACS Distance Education - "Bird Wings"

This website is made for older students to learn about bird wings. It has great information at a higher reading level.

Resources and Further Reading

Science Learning - "How do birds fly?"

This website has more in-depth information on how birds fly. It does not focus so much on wing shape, but the science of how birds fly in general.

Project Beak - "Hollow Bones"

Project Beak is a great website that is full of information about birds. Take some time to explore the whole site!

Bird Bones

Bird bones are much different than human bones. Human bones are solid and heavy to support our weight. Bird bones are hollow, and more light-weight to help the birds be able to fly.