Landing dynamics of a seagull examined by field observation and mathematical modeling

Abstract

A seagull (Larus crassirostris) has a high ability to realize its safe, accurate and smooth landing. We examined how a seagull changes its position when landing on a specific target. First, we recorded the landing behavior of an actual seagull by two video cameras and quantified the flight trajectory and the wing angle as time series data. Second, we introduced a simple mathematical model that describes how a seagull changes its position depending on its wing angle. By performing the numerical simulation combining the mathematical model and empirical data, we examined behavioral mechanism reproducing the flight trajectory of an actual seagull during landing behavior.