How birds avoid mid-air collisions: Study finds they always veer right, and the discovery could help prevent drone crashes

• Researchers used high-speed cameras to record 102 flights of 10 birds
• In all of the experiments, the team did not observe a single collision
• Footage revealed birds always veer right to avoid crashing into another 
• And, researchers say the birds sometimes adjust their altitude as well

With the rise of drones and steadily increasing density of air-traffic, fears of collisions between both manned and unmanned craft have become far more urgent in recent years.

But according to researchers, autopilot systems could learn a trick or two from nature to become much safer.

In a new study, researchers in Australia investigated the ways in which pairs of budgerigars avoid collisions when flying head-on, revealing the birds always veer right to prevent a crash.

In a new study, researchers in Australia investigated the ways in which pairs of budgerigars avoid collisions when flying head-on, revealing the birds always veer right to prevent a crash. A stock image of budgies is shown

The team from the University of Queensland observed the flight paths of numerous pairs of ‘budgies’ released at opposite ends of a tunnel.

Each of the 10 male birds was trained to fly along the tunnel, but until the experiment, never encountered another bird in this setting.

While earlier studies have examined birds’ abilities to avoid obstacles or other members of a flock, the researchers say this is the first to look at a scenario in which they are flying directly towards each other.