xvi. 19 



LANDING 



463 



component. The wings may be heard actually clapping together in 

 pigeons (Fig. 275). During rapid ascent, as in the larks, the body is 

 nearly vertical and the wing changes its angle at the shoulder very 



Fig. 276. Jackdaw about to land. 

 The wings are fully extended on 

 the downbeat, and the tail is 

 fanned out and bent downwards. 

 (From photograph by Aymar.) 



Fig. 277. Hawk striking at a dummy owl. 

 Note long legs and the method of braking. 

 The wings are broad and rounded, giving a 

 large safety factor. (From photograph by 

 Aymar.) 



sharply between the downward and recovery strokes. The bastard 

 wing is held in such a position that the beat provides extra forward 

 momentum. 



Landing is also a delicate operation, especially since it often involves 

 coming to rest suddenly on a branch (Fig. 276). This is achieved by 

 lowering and fanning out the tail, which thus acts as a flap, providing 

 both lift and braking. The legs are then lowered; often one further 

 wing stroke is given to bring the bird forward to drop onto the perch. 

 The adjustment of braking in such a way as to prevent stalling involves 

 a very special system of coordination (Fig. 277). Other methods of 



