Starlings are some of the most beautiful creatures to observe when flying. When looking at the complicated patterns they make when flying, it leaves one wondering how a flock of so many birds can orchestrate such complex behavior. To my surprise, the algorithm that generates this behavior is exceptionally simple.

During a Long Now talk on systems, speaker Nicky Case explained that the algorithm each bird in the flock of Starlings follows can be broken down into four basic steps:

1 — Align myself with other birds
2 — Move towards the other birds
3 — Unless I am too close to another bird if so, move away from the bird
4 — Repeat 1

Simple, iterative steps can lead to large, complex behavior. There is true beauty in simplicity.

These simple steps leading to complex behavior fall into the category of emergence. I intend to write a series of posts on the subject. But if you are interested in the subject, you should watch the video below—Nicky Case into detail on the phenomenon.