Pigeons have magnets

Science. 1979 Sep 7;205(4410):1027-9. doi: 10.1126/science.472725.

Abstract

Research on pigeon homing suggests that magnetic field information is used for orientation. The ability of pigeons to sense magnetic fields may be associated with a small, unilateral structure between the brain and the skull which contains magnetic in what appears to be single domains.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / physiology
  • Columbidae / physiology*
  • Head / physiology
  • Magnetics*
  • Orientation / physiology*