How do migratory birds find their way?

Each autumn, millions of migratory birds embark on long journeys to warmer regions, sometimes traveling thousands of miles from their point of departure. But how do they manage to navigate with such precision year after year, and sometimes without ever having been to their destination before?

This phenomenon relies on several astonishing natural mechanisms.


Migratory birds use a combination of natural and biological cues to orient themselves during migration. One of the most surprising tools is their ability to "read" the Earth's magnetic field. This magnetic field surrounds the planet and varies depending on one's location, with magnetic poles in the north and south.

Some birds, like homing pigeons, possess special cells containing tiny crystals of magnetite in their brains. These crystals react to variations in the Earth's magnetic field, allowing the birds to orient themselves as if they have an internal compass.

In addition to this "magnetic compass," birds also use visual cues. They often rely on the landscapes they fly over, such as mountains, rivers, or coastlines, which serve as natural guides. They can also use the position of the sun during the day to stay on course.

The sense of smell is another important tool for certain species, such as seabirds, which can recognize specific scents along their migratory route. This allows them to recall certain places or olfactory landmarks that help them navigate.

Finally, birds learn their route through a combination of innate instinct and social learning. Some young birds migrate for the first time by following experienced adults who show them the way. Others, however, migrate alone, using their instinct to find their way—a behavior that is genetically ingrained in their species.