52ºc, New York
How do migratory birds know where to go?
When birds migrate, they always know exactly where they are going, unlike us, when driving, we need a Sat-Nav.
Their sense of direction depended on the combination of their own three "maps".
What is Magnetite?
Birds have a substance called magnetite, which sits right above their beak.
This is a mineral that birds use to help them determine the Earth's magnetic field, so they can navigate using the true north.
Sun
We know that sunrise and sunset will point out east and west.
Daytime migratory birds can orientate themselves to the position of the sun.
Even in the middle of the day, birds can determine where they are by the position of the sun in the sky.
Constellation
Finally, birds traveling at night not only use the moon, but they also learn the constellations and navigate to them.
The Arctic star is the most important because it is in a fixed position, but all of the constellations are useful in timing and location.
Birds also have excellent eyesight and will use landmarks such as mountains, rivers, and even buildings and roads to help them find their way.
