As seeds disperse to find the perfect growing places they too seem to "fly" with the wind. Some, like dandelion seeds and milkweed pods have parachutes made of fine hairs which let them "fly" many miles through the air. Other seeds, like maple and ash, have helicopter "wings" that enable them to be whirled for long distances. But seeds are not considered true flyers. Seeds are considered gliders because they do not have flapping wings to propel them through the air.

"Flying" fish achieve flightlike movements by means of large pectoral fins that serve as wings. Some amphibians and reptiles that glide through the air include "flying" frogs, lizards, and snakes. Webbing between the toes or extended flaps of abdominal skin make the necessary parachute that enable them to glide. The golden tree snake of the Malayan Peninsula can "fly" from a tree to surprise its prey or an enemy.

Gliding mammals such as the "flying" squirrels of Asia, North America and Europe use the furry membrane between their outstretched limbs to "parachute" from tree to tree using their long tails as rudders for maneuvering.

Although true flyers some birds, like hawks and vultures, also glide and soar to rest their wings and conserve energy. As they glide, they drop lower and lower until finally they must start flapping again to stay up in the air. At other times, they soar higher and higher for hours on warm air currents called thermals.

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Last modified: Mon Jul 7 10:55:48 PDT 1997

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