Homing pigeons return home using which cues?

Homing pigeons return home using which cues?

• A. Sun position only
• B. Polarized light only
• C. Magnetic cues and smell
• D. Ocean swells

Answer: (C)

Homing relies on using multiple sensory clues, not just one cue. Pigeons can detect the Earth's magnetic field to help them know direction and, in some theories, to understand roughly where they are on a map. They also rely on olfactory information—the unique mix of smells from their home environment—that they learn while growing up; when released far away, they compare current air odors to their remembered odor landscape to guide them home. The sun can provide directional help as well, but only as part of a suite of cues, especially since birds can compensate for the sun’s changing position with an internal clock. Ocean swells aren’t relevant to their navigation. Thus, the combination of magnetic cues and smell best explains how they navigate home.

Homing relies on using multiple sensory clues, not just one cue. Pigeons can detect the Earth's magnetic field to help them know direction and, in some theories, to understand roughly where they are on a map. They also rely on olfactory information—the unique mix of smells from their home environment—that they learn while growing up; when released far away, they compare current air odors to their remembered odor landscape to guide them home. The sun can provide directional help as well, but only as part of a suite of cues, especially since birds can compensate for the sun’s changing position with an internal clock. Ocean swells aren’t relevant to their navigation. Thus, the combination of magnetic cues and smell best explains how they navigate home.