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Biology

Magnetic Compass Orientation in Migratory Songbirds

Quick fact

Many migratory songbirds possess a magnetic compass in their eyes, sensitive to Earth's magnetic field, and they use it to orient themselves during migration—just like a built-in compass, but one that works with light and quantum physics.

Why this is interesting

Every autumn, millions of songbirds vanish from your backyard and fly thousands of miles to warmer places. How do these tiny birds find their way across continents, without maps or GPS?