MAGNETIC INFLUENCES ON PIGEON HOMING

Abstract

The influence of artificial magnetic fields on the homing behavior of pigeons released from unfamiliar sites was tested. The tests were performed by securing cylindrical magnets (in sunny conditions) and Helmholtz coils (under both sunny and overcast conditions) to the pigeons heads. The apparatus had either north (Nup) or south (Sup) poles up. A distinct disorientation of Nups was observed under overcast conditions. In sunny conditions Nup and Sup birds compared with control birds exhibited a greater scattering of vanishing bearings and some delays in homing. The disturbances produced by an artificial magnetic field in sunny conditions demonstrate that pigeons do not simply switch between magnetic and sun compasses, but in some way the 2 mechanisms interfere with each other.