Social Interrelations Involved in Migratory Orientation of Birds: Possible Contribution of Field Studies

The question is discussed whether flocking of bird migrants improves the accuracy of orientation toward the intended direction of a population. Statistical implications are described and outlines for possible analyses of field observation data are given. In nocturnal migration of small passerines it is not yet clear whether social relationships exist at all. Suggestions on how to investigate this question are presented.