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Birds may 'see' magnetic north

Study links migratory navigation systems in the eyes and the brain.

How do migrating birds perceive which way is north? Research now points to the idea that they actually 'see' the Earth's magnetic field, rather than feeling or sensing it in some other way.

Read the story here.

Posted by Nicola Jones on September 26, 2007 01:00 AM |

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I am a junior at UMASS Amherst and I am currently taking a course in animal behavior. We just covered the topic of birds migrating and how they may be able to sense magnetic north. This story is amazing and it makes sense that they may be able to actually see magnetic north. Could this also be a possibility in salamanders or frogs when they use magnetic fields for orientation?

Posted by: Jennifer McGrath | September 26, 2007 04:53 PM

How many are your works, O LORD!
In wisdom you made them all;Psalm 104:24


Posted by: David Carr | September 27, 2007 06:07 AM

Please tell me are you harming or destroying any birds to do this study? I am sure you hope to gain something from this study would you tell me what. Thnak you.

Posted by: PK | September 29, 2007 08:30 PM

It is quiet impressive to know that birds can identify manetic north or south from this article. the article is interesting.

Posted by: Dr.Madhu pola | October 10, 2007 11:44 AM

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