Orientation flights are practice flights young bees take to learn the location of their hive. These flights help bees memorize their home’s position using nearby landmarks. The bees start by hovering near the hive entrance, flying in small arcs, then gradually expanding these arcs and spiraling upwards to explore the surroundings.
If a hive is moved to a new location, bees may also take new orientation flights to relearn their home’s position. These flights are essential because bees rely on their memory of landmarks to navigate back after foraging trips. Without orientation flights, they wouldn’t be able to find their way home. This process ensures bees can forage effectively and always return to the hive, even after changes to its location.