Collective turns in spinless flocks
Phys. Rev. E 114, 035401 – Published 1 September, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6976-lcw7
Abstract
Using a minimal aggregation-based model, we address the efficient information transfer observed in natural flocks during collective turns. In our system, the turning signal emitted by a single individual propagates throughout the collective primarily at a constant speed. To characterize the source of this capability, we analyze the system in the continuum limit. Thus, we demonstrate that wave-propagating features arise solely from the nonreciprocal nature of interactions. We explore spectral anomalies that emerge due to this mechanism and provide an explanation through a perturbative analysis. Remarkably, within this scenario, the description of velocity fluctuations is found to follow a structure analogous to a Born approximation. Our model can be extended to study other physical contexts exhibiting polar order, and our arguments can be tested in natural systems.
