Animal Navigation: Seabirds Home to a Moving Magnetic Target

Abstract

Overview

This study explores how juvenile seabirds migrate from the Irish Sea to Argentina, encountering shifts in their return locations which appear intricately linked to variations in the Earth's magnetic field.

Findings

• Juvenile seabirds' migration routes and return locations can be predicted by observing changes in the Earth's magnetic field.
• This behavior suggests a reliance on a geomagnetic map for navigation.

Conclusion

The research indicates a significant connection between seabird navigation and geomagnetic forces, shedding light on the critical role of Earth's magnetic field in long-distance animal migration.