Year of the Bird: Navigation

How do birds know how to get where they are going during migration? They use a variety of methods to navigate or find their way.

• Many songbirds migrate at night, so the stars are a good cue, since some star patterns are always in the northern part of the sky.
• Many birds also use the Earth’s natural magnetic field, which is how a compass works. There is evidence that birds may actually be able to see the field with their eyes.
• Some birds also have a mineral called magnetite in their beaks and brains, which may act like a natural compass.
• Birds that migrate during the day use the Sun, as well as landmarks, such as rivers, mountain ranges, and coastlines.
• There is even evidence that some birds, like pigeons and some seabirds, may be able to find their way using smell! Whatever they use, birds can migrate thousands of miles and wind up back at their same territory!