Some animals, such as pigeons, have the ability to find their way home after being displaced many miles. What information do they use to navigate? Possibilities include landmarks, magnetic fields, and the use of the sun as a compass.

The homing mechanisms of pigeons have been the subject of much scientific debate. To investigate various hypotheses, scientists have devised experiments that alter information available to a homing bird. For example, vision has been blocked with frosted or opaque contact lenses, magnets have been placed on a bird’s head, and circadian rhythms have been shifted. It is then determined whether or not the bird can find its way home under the altered conditions.

Click the Next button below to explore how different cues might affect a pigeon’s homing ability.