Lateral view of a zebra finch using intermittent flight (flap-bounding) in a wind tunnel with incurrent air at 8 meters per second

(from Tobalske et al. 1999, 2005)

(WM: 9.1 MB)

A rufous hummingbird hovering in a wind tunnel.

(from Warrick et al., 2005; Tobalske et al. 2007)

((WM: 5.2 MB)

A rufous hummingbird flying at 10 m/s in a wind tunnel.

(from Tobalske et al. 2007)

(WM: 2.0 MB)

Take-off in a zebra finch.  The perch is instrumented with transducers to measure ground-reaction forces.

(from Tobalske et al. 2004)

(WM: 1.6 MB)

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)

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)