The article discussed avian navigation using geomagnetic field for direction finding (compass) …

• Synopsis
• Introduction
• Magnetic compass
• Magnetic map
• Future work
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgments
• References
• Figures
• Table

Biology Articles » Zoology » Ethology » Mechanisms of Magnetic Orientation in Birds » Conclusion

Conclusion

- Mechanisms of Magnetic Orientation in Birds

We know homing pigeons and migratory birds possess magnetic compasses and probably some type of geographical location or map system at least partly based on the magnetic field. The characteristics of the map receptor are consistent with the predictions of a magnetite-based mechanism and the magnetic compass receptor fits the predictions of a photopigment-based mechanism. However, in no case do we have a structure that we can point to and say "This is an avian magnetic receptor." Herein lies the challenge for future research. Behavioral, anatomical, and physiological work gives us an idea of what we might be looking for but we have not conclusively identified it yet. Electrophysiological and microanatomy techniques will be needed to answer the challenge.