A magpie flying in the Flight Lab's windtunnel at two different speeds wearing custom respirometry masks.  (From M.W. Bundle's dissertation)

(QT: 11 MB; WM: 4.2 MB)

The ontongeny of WAIR in one of the most precocial species of birds, Brush Turkeys, illustrates a surprising pattern.  Young birds can ascend steeper inclines (including inverted!) than their older siblings and parents.  (From Dial, in prep).

(QT:8.5 MB; WM:3.9 MB)

A phylogenetic series of birds performing WAIR covering one of the most basal clades (Tinamous) to the most derived (Passerines).  Shown are Elegant Crested Tinamou, Brush Turkey, Chukar, Pigeon, Black-billed Magpie, and Hermit Thrush.  Every species examined to date (more than 20) perform this apparently basal behavior (from Dial et al, 2008). (QT:8.8 MB; WM:6.9 MB)

High resolution version (.mov 136 MB)

An ontogenic series of chukars performing WAIR.  Notice how the reptilian-like wing usage in the youngest birds quickly transitions to the adult style of flap-running (from Dial et al, 2008).

(QT: 7.2 MB; WM:5.7 MB)

High resolution version (.mov 112 MB)

A single wingbeat comparison of a wingbeat in slow, level flight and WAIR up an 80 degree incline.  There are significant differences relative to the body, but the wingbeats are very similar with respect to gravity (from Dial et al, 2008).

(QT: 1.1 MB; WM:1.6 MB )

High resolution version (.mov 32 MB)

After young chukars ascend an obstacle, they must descend, which they do readily from day one by launching themselves off a precipice, beating their wings on the way down.  Older birds seem to have more control over the descent (from Dial et al. 2008).

(QT: 2 MB; WM: 3.3 MB)

High resolution version (.mov 68 MB)