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The Secret GPS Inside a Pigeon’s Brain
Pigeons have a built-in GPS that does not require satellites to function. These incredible birds can fly hundreds of miles and still navigate home, thanks to their ability to detect the Earth’s magnetic field.
This superpower gives pigeons what scientists call magnetoreception. Pigeons have special cells that detect magnetic signals, helping them figure out direction and distance like a natural compass.
But that’s not their only trick.
Pigeons also use the sun, their sense of smell, and even landmarks like mountains or highways to stay on course. With all these tools, they’ve become some of the best navigators in the animal kingdom.
People have been using pigeons to deliver messages for centuries. Ancient Romans, Genghis Khan’s empire, and even soldiers in both World Wars relied on these birds to carry important news across great distances.
Baby pigeons, also known as "squabs," are typically hidden in their nests, which are often located in hard-to-reach places like rooftops, building ledges, or crevices, and they remain there until they are almost fully grown and resemble adult pigeons.
One heroic pigeon named Cher Ami helped save nearly 200 soldiers during World War I. After being injured, she flew home with a message tied to her leg.
So next time you see a pigeon strutting around a city square, remember: that bird could probably find its way back home from a place you've never been.
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