The Andean condor holds the record for the longest flight without flapping its wings, flying for five hours using only air currents. Despite its massive body, the Andean condor is able to achieve this feat due to its large wingspan and ability to utilize wind and air currents effectively.
Researchers from Swansea University and Comahue National University studied 8 Andean condors over a 5-year period, tracking their flight patterns using GPS devices and wing beat recorders. They found that the condors only flap their wings about 1% of the time during flight, relying on air currents to stay aloft.
Most of the wing flapping by Andean condors occurs during takeoff, with more than 75% of flapping happening at that time. Once airborne, the condors are able to soar for long distances without flapping their wings, with one bird in the study flying for 5 hours and covering 172 km without flapping.
The ability of Andean condors to fly long distances without flapping their wings is not limited to older birds, as the study found that even immature birds are capable of this feat. The researchers concluded that the decision of when and where to land is crucial for the condors, as unnecessary landings significantly increase the energy cost of their flight.
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