Abstract
Migratory Australian Silvereyes were treated with a strong magnetic pulse designed to alter the magnetization of the small magnetite particles that are found in birds' heads. Prior to the treatment, the birds preferred the northeasterly migratory direction. The pulse initially resulted in a 90° clockwise shift of orientation; however, within about a week, the birds seemed to return to their original headings. These findings, which seem to suggest an involvement of magnetite in migratory orientation, are in contrast with previous findings which indicated that it is a light-dependent process. They are discussed in view of the current concepts on magnetoreception and on the role of magnetic information in avian orientation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Kirschvink, J. L., Jones, D. S., and MacFadden, B. L., Magnetite Biomineralization and Magnetoreception in Organisms. Plenum, New York 1985.
Klinowska, M., J. Navig.41 (1988) 52.
Wiltschko, W., in: Orientation and Navigation—Birds, Humans, and Other Animals. Proc. Intern. Conf. of Royal Inst. of Navigation, Paper No.12 Oxford 1993.
Leask, M. J. M., Nature267 (1977) 144.
Schulten, K., and Windemuth, A., in: Biophysical Effects of Steady Magnetic Fields, Eds. G. Maret, N. Boccara and J. Kiepenheuer. Springer Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg-New York 1986.
Walcott, C., Gould, J. L., and Kirschvink, J. L., Science205 (1979) 1027.
Wiltschko, W., and Wiltschko, R., Nature291 (1981) 433.
Semm, P., Nohr, D., Demaine, C., and Wiltschko, W., J. comp. Physiol.155 (1984) 283.
Phillips, J. B., and Borland, S. C., Nature359 (1992) 142.
Wiltschko, W., Munro, U., Ford, H., and Wiltschko, R., Nature364 (1993) 525.
Kiepenheuer, J., Ranvaud, R., and Maret, G., in: Biophysical Effects of Steady Magnetic Fields, p. 189. Eds. G. Maret, N. Boccara, and J. Kiepenheuer. Springer Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg-New York 1986.
Wiltschko, W., and Beason, R., Verh. dt. zool. Ges.83 (1990) 435.
Walcott, C., Gould, J. L., and Lednor, A. J., J. expl Biol.134 (1988) 27.
Wiltschko, W., Munro, U., Ford, H., and Wiltschko, R., Experientia49 (1993) 167.
Emlen, S. T., and Emlen, J. T., Auk83 (1966) 361.
Batschelet, E., Circular Statistics in Biology. Academic Press, New York 1981.
Wiltschko, W., and Wiltschko, R., Curr. Orn.5 (1988) 67.
Semm, P., and Demaine, C., J. comp. Physiol. A159 (1986) 619.
Semm, P., and Beason, R. C., Brain Res. Bull.25 (1990) 735.
Helbig, A. J., Behav. Ecol. Sociolbiol.28 (1991) 9.
Perdeck, A. C., Ardea46 (1958) 1.
Papi, F., Meschini, E., and Baldaccini, N. E., Comp. Biochem. Physiol.76A (1983) 673.
Ioalè, P., and Teyssèdre, A., Ethol. Ecol. Evol.1 (1989) 65.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wiltschko, W., Munro, U., Beason, R.C. et al. A magnetic pulse leads to a temporary deflection in the orientation of migratory birds. Experientia 50, 697–700 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01952877
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01952877