Not only pigeons: avian olfactory navigation studied by satellite telemetry

The olfactory navigation hypothesis proposed to explain homing pigeon predicts that birds learn the association of wind directions and wind-borne odours at home, once displaced, determine home direction on basis local environmental release site. This was two kinds empirical observations: (i) pigeons develop navigational abilities only if exposed winds loft, (ii) anosmic displaced unfamiliar sites are unable home. Soon after discovery role olfaction in about 50 years ago, became a subject hot scientific debate. Until beginning GPS era, large body evidence support pigeons, swifts starlings consisted mainly vanishing bearings performance data. use GPS, allowing observation pigeons’ behaviour en route provided further compelling cues navigation. development wildlife telemetry past decades produced strong cues, also some species wild birds. Wild artificially both during migration, or incubation showed impaired capacities compensate displacements deprived their sense smell. Contrariwise, satellite failed find any validation for existence map based magnetic tested species. In spite fact nature has not yet been elucidated, miniaturisation technology will hopefully allow us near future investigate detail features found species, clarify sensory free-ranging small passerines.