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A long-distance avian migrant compensates for longitudinal displacement during spring migration
Nikita Chernetsov1, Dmitry Kishkinev, Henrik Mouritsen
1Biological Station Rybachy, Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Rybachy 238535, Kaliningrad Region, Russia. nikita.chernetsov@gmail.com
Current Biology : CB
|February 6, 2008
Summary
Migrating songbirds can determine their longitude, enabling true bicoordinate navigation. This study shows Eurasian reed warblers correct for eastward displacement, suggesting they can determine east-west position.
Area of Science:
- Ornithology
- Animal Navigation
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- True bicoordinate navigation requires birds to determine both latitude and longitude.
- Latitude determination is achievable via celestial or magnetic cues.
- Longitude determination is considered challenging, leading to hypotheses that birds only navigate by latitude.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that migrating birds cannot perform bicoordinate navigation.
- To investigate if Eurasian reed warblers can determine longitude during spring migration.
Main Methods:
- Displacement experiments were conducted on migrating Eurasian reed warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus).
- Birds were displaced approximately 1000 km eastward during their spring migration.
- Orientation changes post-displacement were recorded to assess navigational correction.
Main Results:
- Displaced Eurasian reed warblers shifted their orientation from northeast to northwest.
- This adjusted orientation correctly compensates for the eastward displacement.
- The birds demonstrated an ability to correct their course towards their expected breeding grounds.
Conclusions:
- Eurasian reed warblers possess the capability for longitude determination.
- These findings support the ability of these birds to perform bicoordinate navigation.
- The study poses a new challenge: identifying the cues birds use for east-west positioning.
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