Migrating birds appear to have a 'sixth sense' which means they always manage to find their nesting grounds - a talent that has long mystified scientists. According to new research, which looked at robins (stock image) and zebra finches, a protein called Cry4 is responsible
Migrating birds appear to have a 'sixth sense' which means they always manage to find their nesting grounds - a talent that has long mystified scientists.
Now researchers have found the secret to this skill is down to a protein in the bird's eyes that is sensitive to blue light.
This protein lets them 'see' Earth's magnetic field as an overlay on their normal field of view, two studies suggest.
Scientists from Lund University in Sweden looked at zebra finches, while researchers from Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg in Germany studied European robins.
For a bird to know roughly where it is in the world, and correct itself if it goes off course, it needs what is known as 'true navigation'.
They do this by using the magnetic field to plot their migratory routes.
Scientists believe the Earth's core is responsible for creating its magnetic field.
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