QUESTION: Why do Pelicans fly in formation?

ANSWER:

Researchers explored this theory by monitoring pelican heartbeats during flight.

Examination of the data showed that the heart rates of pelicans

flying in formation were much lower than that of a bird flying alone.

Other studies have estimated that a flock of 25 birds in formation

can fly as much as 70% further than a solo bird using the same amount of energy.