Scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles said that disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field can cause migratory birds to deviate from their usual routes.. This could help researchers better understand the dangers the birds face and their ability to adapt, according to Scitechdaily..

It was already known that adverse weather conditions could disorient birds and lead them to a different place than they were traveling to.. But what if weather conditions are not the main factor that plays a role in this

[see_also ids\u003d"

Now ecologists have suggested that perturbations in the magnetic field may play a role.. At the same time, they can knock birds off course even in ideal weather conditions.. Often this happens during the autumn migration..

The phenomenon when migratory birds are not at their destination is called " In this case, they may find it difficult to find habitat and food, and eventually die.. However, it can also be beneficial for birds whose habitats are suffering due to climate change.. They may accidentally end up in regions that are suitable for them..

Decades of lab research shows that birds can sense magnetic fields using magnetoreceptors in their eyes..

“There is growing evidence that birds can actually see geomagnetic fields.. In familiar places, birds can navigate by geography, but in some situations it is easier to use geomagnetism, ”said Morgan Tingley, one of the authors of the study..

But this ability to navigate can be disrupted by disturbances in magnetic fields.. Such perturbations can arise, for example, due to the activity of the Sun, the appearance of sunspots and flares..

The study examined data on 2.2 million birds of 152 species that were captured and released in the US between 1960 and 2019.. As well as archival data on geomagnetic disturbances and solar activity.

While other factors, such as weather, likely play a large role in causing vagrancy, the researchers found a strong correlation between birds that were caught well outside their expected range and geomagnetic disturbances that occurred during both autumn and winter.. But this relationship was especially pronounced during the autumn migration, the authors note..

Geomagnetic disturbances have affected the navigation of both young birds and adults, suggesting that birds rely equally on geomagnetism regardless of their level of migratory experience..