Ars TechnicaMay 28, 2026, 6:00 PM

How pigeons exploit magnetic fields for navigation

Pigeons use magnetic sensing in their livers to navigate, relying on specialized cells that transmit directional information to the brain. The finding suggests a previously unknown mechanism for how birds and other animals perceive magnetic fields.

Homing pigeon being released by scientist at Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany.
Homing pigeon being released by scientist at Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany.Photograph: Ars Technica
Read original at Ars Technica

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