How do birds find their way?
How do birds find their way?
Dr Henrik Mouritsen
Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences
When you need to find your way to a friend's house, you memorise certain signposts that you encounter along the way. You remember a large building or a road sign that you recognise. Billions of small and large birds that fly from Germany to Africa face a similar problem every autumn. Are they on holiday there? And how do they even get there? The problem for a young bird is that it has never been to Africa and there are no signposts to get there. How does he still manage to find his way to Africa?
The easiest way is to fly after the parents. This is exactly what some bird species do, but not all. In others, the parents leave their children alone. Fortunately, birds are born with an inbuilt compass and an internal clock. They have inherited these features from their parents. Nevertheless, they have to make important preparations for travelling. For example, they have to learn the constellations and eat a lot in order to have a full "tank" for the journey and make the long flight. Then they will be well equipped.
Moderator: Anke Genius (NDR)
Wednesday, 7 September 2005, 4.30 p.m.
Audimax Auditorium Centre