Scientists discover guidance system for migratory songbirds

https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-environment-science-and-economy/scientists-discover-guidance-system-for-migratory-songbirds/

by bit_economist • 19 days ago

26 9 19 days ago

news.exeter.ac.uk

daneel_w• 19 days ago

So the Earth's magnetic poles are not involved at all then?

magicalhippo• 19 days ago

They surely use magnetics ss their compass. This research uncovered the map they're using while traveling, so to speak.

hailwren• 19 days ago

Am I crazy? This doesn't actually say anything about their guidance system? Just that its "genetic"?

In a groundbreaking new study published in the journal Science, researchers have found that a combination of genetics and environment determines where migratory birds fly to for the winter.

BetterThanSober• 19 days ago

If it is mainly genetic then a bird raised in captivity should be able to track the route somewhat accurately, that's groundbreaking

lioeters• 19 days ago

I guess the "guidance system" is not located in any organ or individual bird, but as a kind of accumulated collective knowledge. Perhaps the term was misleading, since it's a metaphor relating to a mechanism in individual airplane, rocket, etc. Anyway, fascinating to learn more about these lovely creatures.

xg152• 19 days ago

Yeah, the discovery seems more to me that some kind of genetic/biological guidance system must exist, because otherwise the observations would be hard to explain - but it doesn't tell how that guidance system works (though I'd really like to know now...)

xg152• 19 days ago

The research team used incredibly light data logger trackers measuring light intensity and time fitted as backpacks to the birds.

No GPS?

nwallin• 18 days ago

A gps logger would likely be too heavy. The birds themselves only weigh 12 grams.

You can derive latitude from the length of the day. You can derive longitude from the offset of dawn/dusk. It won't be nearly as accurate as gps of course, but accuracy to a degree or two is really all you need.

Scientists discover guidance system for migratory songbirds

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