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Lateralization of magnetic compass orientation in a migratory bird

Author

Listed:
  • Wolfgang Wiltschko

    (J.W. Goethe-Universität)

  • Joachim Traudt

    (J.W. Goethe-Universität)

  • Onur Güntürkün

    (Ruhr-Universität Bochum)

  • Helmut Prior

    (Ruhr-Universität Bochum)

  • Roswitha Wiltschko

    (J.W. Goethe-Universität)

Abstract

Lateralization of brain functions, once believed to be a human characteristic, has now been found to be widespread among vertebrates1,2,3. In birds, asymmetries of visual functions are well studied, with each hemisphere being specialized for different tasks4,5,6,7,8. Here we report lateralized functions of the birds' visual system associated with magnetoperception, resulting in an extreme asymmetry of sensing the direction of the magnetic field. We found that captive migrants tested in cages with the magnetic field as the only available orientation cue were well oriented in their appropriate migratory direction when using their right eye only, but failed to show a significant directional preference when using their left eye. This implies that magnetoreception for compass orientation, assumed to take place in the eyes alongside the visual processes9,10,11, is strongly lateralized, with a marked dominance of the right eye/left brain hemisphere.

Suggested Citation

  • Wolfgang Wiltschko & Joachim Traudt & Onur Güntürkün & Helmut Prior & Roswitha Wiltschko, 2002. "Lateralization of magnetic compass orientation in a migratory bird," Nature, Nature, vol. 419(6906), pages 467-470, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:419:y:2002:i:6906:d:10.1038_nature00958
    DOI: 10.1038/nature00958
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