Why Do Birds Fly In Circles?

On warm summer days, birds of prey can often be seen hovering effortlessly overhead in clear skies with outstretched wings. But why do these birds fly in circles? And is this hovering take-off technology limited to raptors? If you want to learn more about how birds use air currents while flying, read on.

Birds use warm updrafts, called thermals, to lift themselves into the air, allowing them to soar at great heights. Soaring birds fly great distances while expending minimal energy because the lift from thermals does a lot of the hard work for them.

Birds carried by thermals can fly without flapping their wings. Warm air from the Earth’s surface rises in “bubbles”, and when birds enter these thermal updrafts, they are effectively lifted into the air, flying around the edges of the “bubbles” as we see them in the sky circling above us.

Birds of prey flying in a circle

“Normal” sustained flight can greatly deplete a bird’s energy reserves, and flapping wings can tire quickly, especially in birds with wide wingspans. Using thermal currents to reach great altitudes, they can hover until they find another updraft, then gradually move through the air with relative ease.

During migration, migratory birds may be seen temporarily flying in circles. The reason behind this is believed to be conservation of energy, taking advantage of the brief opportunity to enjoy the benefits of thermals, effectively resting in mid-air before continuing onwards to continue their migration. This practice uses less energy than re-landing and taking off, and is an adaptation of having extended reserves on the wings.

In addition to the benefit of using less energy, a circle at high altitude gives the soaring bird a wider view of the land below, allowing it to scan for prey or, in some cases, to hunt down carcasses.

Birds of prey, such as hawks, have highly developed vision and, even from such heights, will hover over their prey until the right moment to strike.

The spectacular display of circling flocks of birds seen at sunset is known as the murmur. Safety in numbers may be the key to these acrobatic collective movements, as they swirl aerodynamically through the sky, birds are better protected from predators when flying as part of larger groups.

Read on to learn more about the types of birds that fly in circles, and to discover the spiritual significance that circles may have had in different cultures.

A red-tailed hawk circling in the sky

Which birds fly in circles?

Circling flight is often associated with vultures, buzzards, and large soaring birds of prey, including buzzards, eagles, and hawks. These predators can be seen aloft, cruising the sky effortlessly without even the slightest breeze.

The wider field of view afforded by circular flight allows scavengers such as vultures and vultures to scan large swaths of land for carcasses and potential feeding sites.

Flocks of feeding pigeons may fly away when startled, circling overhead until they think it is safe to land again, either on the ground or in a nearby tree.

Circular flight formations In starlings, these impressive formations are called murmurs, but other species, such as wagtails and blackbirds, fly together in large flocks, performing synchronized flights, and can follow circular or oval patterns.

The pelican exploits thermals during its long migratory flight, using its enormous wingspan to reach speeds of up to 56 km/h (35 mph) at altitudes of up to 3,000 m (9,850 ft). Periodic circular soars allow them to rest their wings and scan vast ocean areas for fish.

A large flock of bald eagles circling the sky

When do birds usually fly in circles?

At sunset, large flocks of birds (often starlings and house sparrows) can be seen undulating whispers across the sky in impressive displays or circular or oval flights. It is thought that flocks of these birds fly together in such a pattern to protect themselves from predation as they travel to their nocturnal roosts.

Another common time you might see birds circling overhead is right before a storm. Birds, like many animals, have the ability to sense changes in air pressure ahead of thunderstorms, and often fly into the sky in circles before a storm breaks out.

One explanation is that they use the calm before the storm to hover over land while assessing the best options for sheltering in the event of heavy or prolonged rain.

impressive whispers of starlings

Why do birds fly in circles in groups?

Flying in flocks is thought to offer more protection from predators than flying together as a solitary bird. Birds flying alone are more likely to be snatched or targeted by raptors.

Large flocks of birds flying together, moving in some sort of unpredictable circular or elliptical swirling motion, are more likely to confuse predators and reduce their chances of a successful kill.

Related to this concept of population security, another interpretation of recirculation flocks is to increase the number of existing flocks. Whispers usually appear at dusk and may start with a few birds and build up to dozens or even hundreds of birds, with the ultimate goal of survival – flying in groups increases the chances of survival.

Birds of prey such as hawks, vultures and hawks are less likely to be found flying in circular flocks, and instead tend to be solitary hunters enjoying the thermal flow and its benefits alone.

The common bald eagle can often be seen circling the countryside in the UK

Does the bird flying in circles have spiritual significance?

The circular flight of birds has a range of associated spiritual meanings, both positive and cautionary, depending on the species.

A bald eagle circling overhead is considered a harbinger of impending doom and a warning to take precautions to protect yourself and those you care about.

In Native American cultures, birds flying around people can be interpreted as a spiritual sign and are often thought to signify a visit from a deceased loved one or a message from a spiritual guide.