Fig. 4. Here, we superimpose some of the typical instantaneous acceleration vectors
from mid-downstroke and mid-upstroke on the lateral-view high-speed video
footage. The same cockatiel is used in all frames and the vector scale is the
same in each case. Note that the inertial acceleration vectors are small in
size here because the wing is typically at maximum velocity when near
mid-stroke; inertial accelerations were much more pronounced at other points
in time such as the ends of upstroke and downstroke. In upstroke at faster
flight speeds, lift and drag forces tended to vary together and were either
both small, as shown in the 7 m s1 upstroke, or both larger,
as shown in the 13 m s1 upstroke. The scale bar indicates an
acceleration of 10 m s2, equivalent to a force of 0.81 N
applied to the cockatiel's whole body mass. Note that the aerodynamic
acceleration vectors include drag from the data cable and accelerometers.