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Skylight polarization patterns at dusk influence migratory orientation in birds

Nature volume 299, pages 550–551 (1982)Cite this article

Abstract

Over 100 animal species are known to be able to perceive the plane of polarization of linearly polarized light; most of these are arthropods but several molluscs and vertebrates, including man, share this ability1,2. At least five aquatic vertebrates (three fish, a salamander and a larval frog) are capable of oriented movement based on the E-vector of linearly polarized light3–9. Pigeons (Columba livia) have been conditioned to discriminate between rotating and stationary polarized light and between widely separated stationary E-vectors10,11, but the behavioural significance of this ability remains unknown. I report here that the migratory orientation of the white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), a nocturnal migrant, is affected by manipulations of the axis of skylight polarization. These data provide the first evidence that polarized light may be a relevant cue in migratory orientation.

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  1. Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, 12222, USA

    Kenneth P. Able

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Able, K. Skylight polarization patterns at dusk influence migratory orientation in birds. Nature 299, 550–551 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/299550a0

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