Fast Takeoff and Dodging Wings

Like everything in a living organism, wing shape has its basis in survival value. For example, birds such as pheasants and grouse that usually inhabit dense cover and need to dodge quickly between obstructions have wings that allow twisting flight at short distances, but become less efficient for sustained high-speed flight. Built for fast takeoff and dodging, this type of wing is relatively short but broad and cupped, with flexible tips that can be set at varied angles without twisting the whole wing.

The short broad wings of this Northern Mockingbird allow for rapid takeoffs and account for its great ability in dodging branches while flying through thickets.