Why do I suddenly have the Monty Python and the Holy Grail's opening bit about swallows going through my head?
Oh and the average speed of an unladen swallow is 11 meters per second. Doesn't matter if it's African or European. The increased musculature of the African variety just barely compensates for the increased drag caused by it's larger aerodynamic profile and the extra inertial drag caused by it's increased weight.
GAWD! I am such a geek for knowing that.
M