Animal aviators: Unusual creatures take to the skies

10:30 23 May 2012

Powered flight has evolved on four occasions ? in insects, pterosaurs, birds and bats. Gliding, on the other hand, is a skill many more animals have mastered ? even some that don't have wings. The most unexpected flying animal has got to be the squid - who would have imagined cephalods could soar? ? but now meet some other members of the glider club. Michael Le Page

Read more: "The incredible flying squid"

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An Atlantic flying fish (Cypselurus melanurus) "taxiing" near Ascension Island. When some flying fish first take to the air, or when their glide speed drops too low, they gain speed by taxiing with the lower part of their tail fin. Flying fish can stay in the air for up to 45 seconds and travel almost half a kilometre, though most flights are much shorter. There are around 50 species.

(Image: Michael Nolan/Splashdowndirect/Rex Features)

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