Hawk study shows birds shift aerodynamic stability to slip through gaps
Mar 4th 2026
Motion capture and wind tunnel tests show a Harris's hawk tucks its wings to change from unstable to stable flight, a tactic that explains bird agility and could inspire more maneuverable drones.
- Study published March 4 in Journal of the Royal Society Interface by researchers at the University of Oxford and UC Davis.
- Researchers used motion capture of a Harris's hawk and wind tunnel tests of resin 3D printed wing and tail models.
- When the hawk tucks its wings it shifts from an unstable to a stable aerodynamic state.
- The stability shift lets birds be highly maneuverable yet maintain steady flight, unlike conventional aircraft designs.
- Results could guide more agile UAV designs and use facilities at UC Davis's new Center for Animal Flight and Innovation, with funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.