News Genetics

Birds get their internal compass from this newly ID’d eye protein

‘Sixth sense’ lets zebra finches and European robins navigate using Earth’s magnetic field

European robin

SIXTH SENSE  During European robins’ long-range migrations, production of the protein Cry4 increases and that may facilitate the birds’ sense of Earth’s magnetic field.

Henrik Mouritsen

By Dan Garisto

- More than 2 years ago

Birds can sense Earth’s magnetic field, and this uncanny ability may help them fly home from unfamiliar places or navigate migrations that span tens of thousands of kilometers.