Migratory Birds Take Advantage of Earth’s Magnetic Field

As it is known, many bird species migrate between the Northern and Southern hemispheres every year due to breeding and the 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, Earth’s magnetic field He stated that migratory birds do not have much difficulty in finding their way, thanks to a built-in ‘compass’ that allows detection and determination of directions according to magnetic intensity. In addition, it was stated in the study that how these birds know when to stop during their journey was also investigated.

Magnetic inclination may be acting as a ‘STOP’ sign

According to experts, birds are the ones that allow living things to find their way by sensing the earth’s magnetic field. magnetoreception Thanks to the biological tools named after him, he can determine which direction they will go and the regions where they will build their nests. 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 analyzed. The results show that these birds are trying to find their breeding areas. from magnetic inclination (the angle of inclination between the Earth’s magnetic field and the surface) has been observed to be highly likely. This means that the magnetic field of the planet gives the birds a ‘Stop’ It showed that it served as a sign.

Noting that birds learned the angle of inclination before leaving their breeding areas, the scientists said that the Earth’s magnetic field changes from year to year, so the position of the bird’s birth or breeding areas can be determined. that you can change He stated that this situation benefits the research results.

Magnetic field and biological mechanisms ensure bird survival

Using the magnetic inclination stable Stating that it makes sense because it has a change, scientists said in their statements, “Birds can remember their birth and breeding sites using a single coordinate. However, for this to occur, birds must use a built-in compass that connects their wintering and breeding areas. and emphasized the importance of biological tools in finding direction.

However, in order for the experts to reach certainty, to more research He also underlined the need. 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 number of biological mechanisms, be able to navigate successfully and find environments suitable for survival it succeeds.