The New York times and BBC Wildlife published an article about our research on flamingo hydrodynamics…read more
The Ornithopterus Lab focuses on organismal dynamics, from flamingos and insects to helicopter seeds and nematodes. We investigate how they move through challenging environments such as rain, turbulence, or dust devils, as well as the trade-offs produced by capillary and electrostatic forces on animal interactions. Join the adventure!
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 »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 »Lab news
Flamingos in NYT
May 12, 2025Animal 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
Back Home
Aug 16, 2024
I am excited to announce that I am joining UC Berkeley. Go Golden Bears!…read more
Copyright © 2025 ORNITHOPTERUS | Víctor M. Ortega. All Rights Reserved. See more videos on my Youtube Channel