Pigeons fail to detect low-frequency magnetic fields

Abstract

In an attempt to resolve basic inconsistencies in the literature on magnetic reception in birds, we tested 4 pigeons for possible sensitivity to low-frequency magnetic fields. Horizontal and vertical components of an earth-strength field were varied at frequencies of 0.01 to 10 Hz. None of the pigeons seemed able to distinguish between varying and static fields, although each received 1,800 trials of discrimination training. These results, related findings, and the reported failure to replicate a critical field study lead the authors to question the prevailing belief that pigeons can detect magnetic fields. © 1987 Psychonomic Society, Inc.