Measuring power input, power output and energy conversion efficiency in un-instrumented flying birds
Cost of flight at various speeds is a crucial determinant of flight behaviour in birds. Aerodynamic models, predicting that mechanical power (Pmech) varies with flight speed in a U-shaped manner, have been used together with an energy conversion factor (efficiency) to estimate metabolic power (Pmet). Despite few empirical studies, efficiency has been assumed constant across flight speeds at 23%. I
