BurnOutBrighter6 t1_irpz4ht wrote on October 10, 2022 at 3:38 AM

Birds have the ability to sense the Earth's magnetic field, giving them a sense called "magnetoreception" that acts like an internal compass. The actual physical mechanism allowing this magnetic perception to function is currently poorly understood, unless this textbook chapter from 2015 is out of date (in which case someone with more relevant knowledge in the field please update us!).

Chapter 8 - Magnetoreception in Birds and Its Use for Long-Distance Migration

smashkraft t1_irq5vw4 wrote on October 10, 2022 at 4:48 AM

I’m pretty certain that a while ago I found an article in another sub with additional discoveries. I cannot find the Reddit thread, but this article captures some development that I remembered seeing - it is proteins in their eyes, instead of some feature in their brains, that allows for the magnetoreception.

https://www.sciencealert.com/birds-see-magnetic-fields-cryptochrome-cry4-photoreceptor-2018/amp

YungPlugg OP t1_irq1ixc wrote on October 10, 2022 at 4:02 AM

Wow that is mind blowing thank you