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Flocking
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<p>Flocking is the behavior exhibited when a group of birds, called a <a href="/facts/Flock_(birds)/pmnzgXnf">flock</a>, are <a href="/facts/Foraging/o2u7xmHD">foraging</a> or in flight. Sheep and goats also exhibit flocking behavior. Flocking by birds and mammals is similar to <a href="/facts/Shoaling_and_schooling/vFAw9F75">schooling</a> in fish and these are often studied together. </p><p>Flocking is generally believed to arise from the need for cover and protection from predators in animal behavior. This is an <a href="/facts/Emergence/zlFRW0oj">emergent</a> behaviour governed by local rules that are followed by individuals and does not involve any central coordination. </p>