Magnets Interfere with Pigeon Homing (original) (raw)
Abstract
Magnets glued to the backs of experienced pigeons often resulted in disorientation when the birds were released from distances of 17-31 miles (27-50 km) under total overcast, whereas no such disorientation occurred during similar releases under clear skies. The magnets did, however, often cause disorientation when first-flight birds were released under sun, and there was some indication of disturbance to experienced pigeons released under sun at longer distances.
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- ELDAROV A. L., KHOLODOV Iu A. VLIIANIE POSTOIANNOGO MAGNITNOGO POLIA NA DVIGATEL'NUIU AKTIVNOST' PTITS. Zh Obshch Biol. 1964 May-Jun;25:224–229. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Keeton W. T., Gobert A. Orientation by untrained pigeons requires the sun. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1970 Apr;65(4):853–856. doi: 10.1073/pnas.65.4.853. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Keeton W. T. Orientation by pigeons: is the sun necessary? Science. 1969 Aug 29;165(3896):922–928. doi: 10.1126/science.165.3896.922. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Orgel A. R., Smith J. C. Test of the Magnetic Theory of Homing. Science. 1954 Nov 26;120(3126):891–892. doi: 10.1126/science.120.3126.891. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Riper W. V., Kalmbach E. R. Homing Not Hindered by Wing Magnets. Science. 1952 May 23;115(2995):577–578. doi: 10.1126/science.115.2995.577-b. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]