The information, relayed to a specialized light-processing region of the brain called ”cluster N”, helps the robin find its way on migration flights.

Experts know birds possess an internal magnetic compass, but there is disagreement about what form it takes.

One idea is that tiny magnets in the beak wired to the nervous system detect lines of magnetic force.

Another is that magnetic fields are ”seen” via the eyes using a complex light-sensitive mechanism.

The new research suggests that, for robins at least, the second theory is probably correct.

Continue reading Robins Can See Earth’s Magnetic Field