Tracking pigeons in a magnetic anomaly and in magnetically "quiet" terrain.

ABSTRACT: Pigeons were released at two sites of equal distance from the loft, one within a magnetic anomaly, the other in magnetically quiet terrain, and their tracks were recorded with the help of GPS receivers. A comparison of the beginning of the tracks revealed striking differences: within the anomaly, the initial phase lasted longer, and the distance flown was longer, with the pigeons' headings considerably farther from the home direction. During the following departure phase, the birds were well homeward oriented at the magnetically quiet site, whereas they continued to be disoriented within the anomaly. Comparing the tracks in the anomaly with the underlying magnetic contours shows considerable differences between individuals, without a common pattern emerging. The differences in magnetic int

SUBMITTER: Schiffner I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3128737 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature