birds such as geese that migrate from one country to another fly very long distances. their wings are big and strong, because the birds are large. they stock up on food for the long flight. migrating water birds usually form family groups of 1230 birds. they fly very high, making use of long streams of air that blow from north to south in different seasons. they are well organised, often flying in a v pattern. the geese at the back do not have to flap so hard; they are pulled on by the wind of the ones at the front. every so often, they change the leader so that the front bird, who does most work and sets the pace, can have a rest. geese and swans are the highest-flying birds, reaching 8,000 metres or more when on migration. geese often "honk" loudly while they are flying. it is thought that they do this to support the leader and help the young ones.