Magnetic attraction: Homing pigeons get scientists aflutter

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2004

PARIS (AFP) — Scientists believe they have confirmed theories that homing pigeons are able to carry out their long-range navigational feat thanks to tiny magnetic particles in their upper beaks.

Pigeon-watchers had squabbled as to whether the birds return to their lofts by using this material, called magnetite, as a microscopic compass, or by using different odours in the atmosphere as signposts.

University of North Carolina researcher Cordula Mora placed homing pigeons in a specially-built wooden tunnel which 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...