Abstract
Leask's proposal1 that magnetic field detection in birds is accomplished by an optical double-resonance process in the rhodopsin molecules in the retina, a spatially well ordered cellular array, is intriguing. Being an axial rather than a polar phenomenon, it is consistent with observations that birds do not make use of the polarity of the magnetic field2. The hypothesis nevertheless requires that light is necessary for sensing magnetic fields, which has prompted us to perform the homing experiments with pigeons reported here. It is known that transportation in a distorted magnetic field causes an increase in scatter, frequently even random, in the initial orientation of young pigeons3–6, and we sought to discover whether transportation in total darkness would have a similar effect. The results are consistent with Leask's hypothesis but their explanation is not unambiguous. Plainly, however, transportation in total darkness, like the disruption of magnetic or olfactory3,7 information en route, is another way of preventing the collection of meaningful orientation information during the outward journey to the release site.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Leask, M. J. M. Nature 267, 144–145 (1977).
Wiltschko, W. & Wiltschko, R. Science 176, 62–64 (1972).
Papi, F., Ioalè, P., Fiaschi, V., Benvenuti, S. & Baldaccini, N. E. Animal Migration, Navigation and Homing (eds Schmidt-Koenig, K. & Keeton, W. T.) 65–77 (Springer, Berlin, 1978).
Kiepenheuer, J. Naturwissenschaften 65, 113 (1978).
Wiltschko, R. & Wiltschko, W. Naturwissenschaften 65, 112–113 (1978).
Wiltschko, R., Wiltschko, W. & Keeton, W. T. Animal Migration, Navigation and Homing (eds Schmidt-Koenig, K. & Keeton, W. T.) 152–162 (Springer, Berlin, 1978).
Papi, F. Verh. dt. zool. Ges. 1976, 184–205 (1976).
Batschelet, E. Statistical Methods for the Analysis of Problems in Animal Orientation and Certain Biological Rhythms (AIBS, Washington DC, 1965); Animal Orientation and Navigation (eds Galler, S.R. et al.) 61–63 (NASA SP-262, Washington DC, 1972).
Wiltschko, W. & Wiltschko, R Oikos 30, 177–187 (1978).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wiltschko, W., Wiltschko, R. Disorientation of inexperienced young pigeons after transportation in total darkness. Nature 291, 433–434 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/291433a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/291433a0
This article is cited by
-
Releases of surgically deafened homing pigeons indicate that aural cues play a significant role in their navigational system
Journal of Comparative Physiology A (2015)
-
Loft features reveal the functioning of the young pigeon’s navigational system
Naturwissenschaften (2008)
-
Magnetoreception in birds: two receptors for two different tasks
Journal of Ornithology (2007)
-
Light-dependent information: influence of loft conditions on young pigeon’s navigational system
Journal of Ornithology (2006)
-
Magnetic orientation and magnetoreception in birds and other animals
Journal of Comparative Physiology A (2005)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.