Do you need to train pigeons to come home?

Answer 1

Homing pigeons carry out their long-range navigational feat thanks to tiny magnetic particles in their upper beaks, scientists confirm.

The New Zealand scientists publish their research on how pigeons sense the Earth's magnetic field in today's issue of the journal Nature.

Pigeon-watchers have squabbled as to whether the birds return to their lofts by using these magnetic particles as a microscopic compass, or by using different odours in the atmosphere as signposts.

Researchers led by Dr Cordula Mora, who was at the University of Auckland when the research was conducted, placed homing pigeons in a specially-built wooden tunnel that had a feeder platform at each end and magnetic coils attached to its top and bottom.

The birds were trained to go to one particular feeding tray if the Earth's natural magnetic field was left unperturbed, and to the other tray if the coils were switched on.

The birds suddenly lost this navigational ability when magnets were attached to their beaks or if their beaks were anaesthetised.

The ability was also disrupted if the trigeminal nerve, which carries optical signals to the brain, was severed.

But it was not impaired if the olfactory nerve, which sends odour signals to the brain, was cut.

The findings point to the mineral magnetite as the navigational aid. This form of iron oxide is one of the most magnetic minerals on Earth.

But optical clues to navigation cannot be ruled out. Another theory is that pigeons also use the direction of Sun as a pointer.

Still unresolved is the puzzle about how the brain receives the signals from the magnetite.

Magnetite as a compass

It's not just birds that use magnetite as a compass. Humans have harnessed its magnetic properties for centuries.

Reports date back to the 12th century of the Chinese using lodestones, rocks made of a special type of magnetite, as an early from of compass.

Only magnetite with a certain crystalline structure can act as a lodestone, and only if exposed to a magnetic field. In nature, that might be a lightning strike.

Scientists have also found magnetite in some bacteria, bees, even humans.

Answer 2

Selective breeding has exaggerated the natural instinct to keep to a home range and also increased the navigational abilities of the bird. For racing/homer pigeons, there are also certain tricks to make them faster - such as some birds fly home faster to chicks in the nest.

Answer 3

Actually it is in their blood. After they fly around the loft you release them in another are and they will come back.