Testing the role of sensory systems in the migratory heading of a songbird

• DOI: 10.1242/jeb.034504
• Publication Date: 2009-11-28T04:10:46Z
• Authors: R. A. Holland; K. Thorup; A. Gagliardo; I. A. Bisson; E. Knecht; D. Mizrahi; M. Wikelski
• Keywords: Songbird; Homing (biology); Magnetoreception; Olfactory cues; Sensory cue; Bird migration; Anosmia

The identification of the sensory cues and mechanisms by which migratory birds are able to reach same breeding wintering grounds year after has eluded biologists despite more than 50 years intensive study. While a number environmental have been proposed play role in navigation birds, arguments still persist about essential for experience based shown adult migrants. To date, few studies tested basis navigational used during actual migration wild: mainly laboratory or homing non-migratory season investigate this behaviour. Here we olfactory magnetic catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) radio tracking with manipulations their flights. Our data suggest that treated zinc sulphate produce anosmia were unable show orientation as control adults, instead reverted direction similar juveniles making first migration. manipulation had no effect on either adults juveniles. These results allow us propose sense may catbirds. pigeons other is time it implicated orientation.