That...actually sounds like a good idea. Although, I'm also imagining riders trying to stay on their birds while they break formation and start flapping and jumping around trying to claw at each other. Like, great! This is war, good, fight the enemy. But stop hitting me in the head with your wings! I can't see what's going on! Omg, claws! In my face! Auugh!

I hope these birds are well-trained.... So that doesn't happen.