What does "wing loading" describe?

Wing loading refers to the ratio of a bird's weight to its wing area, which is crucial in determining how effectively a bird can fly. A higher wing loading indicates that a bird has more weight for each unit of wing area, which can influence its ability to generate lift, maneuverability, and speed.

While the amount of drag caused by weight and speed is important in understanding flight mechanics, it does not define wing loading. Wing loading specifically focuses on weight in relation to wing size, essentially affecting how birds manage lift and energy expenditure during flight. This concept is significant in falconry and bird biology, as it helps falconers understand how different species will perform while hunting or flying and how to provide appropriate care and training tailored to the bird's flying capabilities.