NewScientist The Last Word

Why would a bird fly upside down? I saw this kittiwake flying upside down (see photo) in Norway's Svalbard archipelago - about 79 north - while we were stuck in the sea ice. This and other kittiwakes were feeding on polar cod (about 13 centimetres long) that had become uncovered as our ship broke through the ice. What is it doing and why? How many other birds can do this? Bill Reed, US
(no votes)

Last edited on: 2010-02-24 11:06:45

Categories: Animals.

Reply	Steve says: I have never forgotten watching a pigeon doing loop-the-loops over the heads of us kids at school assembly, much to our amusement and cheering, and annoyance of teachers trying to control of assemblies! (no votes) Tags: animals, human body.
	posted on 2009-06-15 01:26:37 \| Report abuse

Reply	Anonymous says: How would a human become stuck in sea ice and why would it want to? (no votes) Tags: unanswered, animals, plants.
	posted on 2009-06-15 06:09:11 \| Report abuse

Reply	Aco says: I would say that it is halfway through whiffling.See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whifflingand http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_flight#Take-off_and_landing (no votes) Tags: unanswered, animals, plants.
	posted on 2009-06-15 17:28:36 \| Report abuse

Reply	Andres says: The bird is flying upside down for the same reason you were taking pictures. (no votes) Tags: unanswered, animals, plants.
	posted on 2009-06-16 04:55:22 \| Report abuse

Reply	Joao says: Yeah, birds have 14 neck (7 for mamals) bones so they can spin their head backwards. Nice picture. (no votes) Tags: unanswered, animals, plants.
	posted on 2009-06-16 09:20:55 \| Report abuse

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