Information transfer and behavioural inertia in starling flocks
Turning waves propagate at 20-30 m/s through flocks
This study measured how information (like directional changes) propagates through starling flocks. Turning waves travel at 20-30 meters per second - faster than individual bird flight speed but not instantaneous. This finite propagation speed creates the characteristic 'ripple' effect visible in murmurations.
The research revealed that information transfer is not like a broadcast (simultaneous to all) but like a wave (neighbor to neighbor). Each bird responds to its neighbors' movements, creating cascading effects that travel across the flock. The speed of propagation is tuned for optimal responsiveness: fast enough for effective threat response, slow enough for smooth coordination.
For organizations, this suggests that information should propagate through neighbor-to-neighbor channels rather than attempting broadcast to all. Local communication networks can achieve system-wide coordination if properly connected.
Key Findings from Attanasi et al. (2014)
- Turning waves propagate at 20-30 m/s through flocks
- Propagation is faster than individual flight but not instantaneous
- Information travels as waves through neighbor-to-neighbor interactions
- Creates characteristic ripple effect in murmurations
- Speed is tuned for optimal responsiveness vs. smoothness tradeoff