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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

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

Categories: Animals.

Tags: fly, bird, upsidedown, flight, kittiwake.

 

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Anonymous says:
The kittiwake is white underneath. So this bird is not flying upside down, it#39;s just looking over its shoulder. I don#39;t know why.
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posted on 2009-06-10 19:36:55 | Report abuse


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Anonymous says:
Please look at the picture closer the bird is not upside down it head is just rotated around, the wings and tail are still in perfect flight position
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posted on 2009-06-10 19:44:29 | Report abuse


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Anonymous says:
you may want to take another look
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posted on 2009-06-10 19:58:34 | Report abuse


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Anonymous says:
oh hey, wow. its wings are on upside down too, that#39;s one messed up bird.
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posted on 2009-06-10 20:04:00 | Report abuse


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Anonymous says:
[#4]...except that its wings are not on upside down.I#39;m pretty sure #2 had it right.But perhaps #3 could clarify what should be looked at again?
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posted on 2009-06-11 01:05:38 | Report abuse


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