TechMYTH OR FACT?
Study finds flying can sometimes be cheaper than swimming
Researchers across several countries found that wild birds can sometimes spend less energy flying than animals spend swimming, challenging a long-held textbook assumption; the sky, apparently, runs a loyalty program.
On air: Dr. Nina Byte and Hank Ledger on BBN This MorningPublished
At a glance
- First reported by Phys.org: “Wild birds rewrite rules of flight efficiency: Study reveals power of 'free fuel' from the sky”.
- Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 6:41 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Dr. Nina Byte and Hank Ledger.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorHere's a myth I swear by: flying is the most exhausting way to travel, and anything with wings must be wiped out by lunch.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentIt's complicated, Hank. An international study reported by Phys.org found flying can sometimes cost less energy than swimming, which overturns a longstanding textbook view.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorCheaper than swimming.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThe reason is free fuel from the sky.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentWild birds can use moving air to do part of the work, so they don't pay for every mile themselves.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo the birds get a tailwind and I get a parking garage.
Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentSometimes, and only sometimes. Not every bird or every route gets that help, so don't quit your car over a pigeon.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNoted. Brock, is the sky giving out any free fuel this morning?
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Friday, October 16, 2026 · the Tech archive · all months
More in Tech
All Tech →
National Review: 2028 primaries could hurt AI buildout
The National Review piece says some Democratic governors with White House ambitions are competing on costly AI rules; it is an opinion argument, not…
Elon Musk is the top donor of the midterm election
The latest campaign finance report makes Musk the top donor of this election, after his rift with Trump and Republicans, who now count on him to…
Amazon's AI chief says devices will replace your apps
Panos Panay told TechCrunch Disrupt that ambient AI devices should anticipate what users need instead of waiting for commands; your apps may not…
Invisible-man snow video climbs past thirteen million views
Zack D. Films' video is number three on YouTube's U.S. Film and Animation trending chart with 13,996,969 views; BBN has seen only the title.