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How do migratory birds navigate long distances?

Transcript

Migratory birds navigate long distances using a combination of internal maps, celestial patterns, and environmental cues. They integrate sensory information from the earth's magnetic field, olfactory signals, and visual landmarks to find their way. The brain structures involved, such as the hippocampus and caudolateral nidopallium, help process these cues and resolve conflicting information. Additionally, factors like the position of the night sky and changes in their environment, like snowmelt, play critical roles in their navigation.

Migratory birds navigate long distances using a combination of internal maps, celestial patterns, and environmental cues.

Nearly 500 species migrate along this far eastern flyway which include the Bar-tailed Godwit (pictured)
They integrate sensory information from the earth's magnetic field, olfactory signals, and visual landmarks to find their way
Pictured: A small flock of Barnacle Geese in-flight
[1][2]. The brain structures involved, such as the hippocampus and caudolateral nidopallium, help process these cues and resolve conflicting information[4]. Additionally, factors like the position of the night sky and changes in their environment, like snowmelt, play critical roles in their navigation
Pictured: A European Honey Buzzard - this species migrate south for the winter to sub-Saharan and southern Africa
[3].

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