Scientists discover guidance system for migratory songbirds

Discussion (5 Comments)Read Original on HackerNews

hailwren•about 3 hours ago

Am I crazy? This doesn't actually say anything about their guidance system? Just that its "genetic"?

> In a groundbreaking new study published in the journal Science, researchers have found that a combination of genetics and environment determines where migratory birds fly to for the winter.

BetterThanSober•about 2 hours ago

If it is mainly genetic then a bird raised in captivity should be able to track the route somewhat accurately, that's groundbreaking

lioeters•about 2 hours ago

I guess the "guidance system" is not located in any organ or individual bird, but as a kind of accumulated collective knowledge. Perhaps the term was misleading, since it's a metaphor relating to a mechanism in individual airplane, rocket, etc. Anyway, fascinating to learn more about these lovely creatures.

daneel_w•about 3 hours ago

So the Earth's magnetic poles are not involved at all then?

magicalhippo•about 2 hours ago

They surely use magnetics ss their compass. This research uncovered the map they're using while traveling, so to speak.

Scientists discover guidance system for migratory songbirds

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Discussion (5 Comments)Read Original on HackerNews