Why Do Pigeons Never Lose Their Way? Scientists Reveal New Discovery

Islamabad (News Desk) – A new scientific study conducted in Germany has suggested that homing pigeons’ extraordinary navigation abilities may be linked to specialized cells in their liver.

Researchers from the University of Bonn and the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior found that pigeons’ ability to sense Earth’s magnetic field could be influenced by specific cells located in the liver.

Homing pigeons (Columba livia) are known for their remarkable ability to return home from long distances, using multiple natural cues for navigation.

Previously, scientists had identified navigation-related systems in pigeons’ beaks, eyes, and brains. However, this new research focuses on immune cells in the liver known as superparamagnetic macrophages.

According to the study, these cells store iron, which may make them sensitive to magnetic fields.

During experiments, pigeons with reduced activity of these cells struggled to navigate accurately in cloudy weather. However, under clear skies, they were still able to find their way using the sun and visual landmarks.

Researchers concluded that pigeons rely on multiple sensory systems for navigation, and that the liver may play a previously unknown role in their magnetic orientation abilities.