As it is known, many bird species migrate between the Northern and Southern hemispheres every year due to breeding and cooling of the weather. A new study published in the journal Science has also revealed remarkable information about how these migratory birds find their way and know when to stop.
The scientists who conducted the study stated that migratory birds do not have much difficulty in finding their way, thanks to a built-in ‘compass’ that allows sensing the Earth’s magnetic field and determining directions according to magnetic intensity. In addition, the study also investigated how these birds know when to stop during their journey.
Magnetic inclination may be acting as a ‘STOP’ sign
According to experts, birds can detect which direction they will go and the regions where they will build their nests, thanks to biological tools called magnetoreception, which enable living things to find their way by sensing the earth’s magnetic field. The published research also sought to find out whether the earth’s magnetic field affects how birds will stop.
In the study, data collected from a bird species called sedge cane (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) from 1940 to 2018 were examined. The results showed that these birds were more likely to use magnetic inclination (the angle of inclination between the Earth’s magnetic field and the surface) to find breeding sites. This showed that the magnetic field of the planet acts as a ‘stop’ signal to the birds.
Noting that the birds learned the angle of inclination before leaving the breeding areas, the scientists stated that the magnetic field of the Earth changes from year to year, so the position of the bird’s birth or breeding areas can change, and this situation benefits the research results.
Magnetic field and biological mechanisms ensure bird survival
Stating that the use of magnetic inclination makes sense because it has a stable change, scientists said in their statements, “Birds can remember their birth and breeding areas using a single coordinate. However, in order for this situation to occur, birds must use a built-in compass that connects their wintering and breeding areas to each other.” He emphasized the importance of biological tools in finding direction.
However, experts also underlined that more research is needed to reach certainty on the subject. Stating that the possibility of using magnetic inclination may be high due to the available data, the researchers noted that the subject should be confirmed by experiments. It was also emphasized by scientists that it is very important to understand bird behavior in order to ensure the protection of biodiversity.
As a result, the research revealed that the majority of migratory birds are likely to benefit from parameters set by the Earth’s magnetic field. According to experts, bird species that benefit from this magnetic field and a series of biological mechanisms are able to navigate successfully and find environments suitable for survival.
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