We thank Brady Nichols for highligthing our SICB 2025 talk on leg-mediated aerial control in water striders …read more
The Ornithopterus Lab focuses on organismal dynamics, from flamingos and hummingbirds to insects and nematodes. Through observation-based research and creative thinking, we explore how organisms move through challenging environments —like rain, turbulence, or dust devils—and the trade-offs driven by capillary and electrostatic forces. Join the adventure!
Nectar from the sky
Precipitation has the capacity to disrupt animal behavior, and during extreme events even jeopardize survival. We are particularly interested in how these complex flows affect animals' locomotion.
Learn More »Sparks & wetting
At small scales, electrostatic and capillary forces reign over other forces, such as gravity. We investigate the effects produced by these forces on tiny organisms, as well as on ecological interactions.
Learn More »Storm winds
In nature fluids run wild. Vortex shedding, ripples, and turbulence are fundamental features of natural flows. We study the locomotor control, manuevering, and energetics of animals as they navigate these challenging conditions.
Learn More »Lab news
SICB News
Jun 4, 2025Flamingos Uncovered
May 12, 2025The New York times, BBC Wildlife, SN, and the Short Wave Podcast featured our research on flamingo hydrodynamics…read more
Animal Dynamics
Dec 13, 2024Take a look at this 101 video and an interview by the California Magazine on the wonders of animal dynamics. …read more
Quanta Magazine
Sep 30, 2024
We are happy to share that Quanta Magazine highlighted our research on electrostatics effects on animal interactions.…read more
Copyright © 2025 ORNITHOPTERUS | Víctor M. Ortega. All Rights Reserved. See more videos on my Youtube Channel