Bibliographic Information

Bird navigation

by G.V.T. Matthews

(Cambridge monographs in experimental biology, no. 3)

Cambridge University Press, 1968

2nd ed

Available at  / 4 libraries

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Note

Bibliography: p. 167-192

Includes index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Many species of birds travel thousands of miles from their breeding grounds to their winter quarters, to return again the following spring. How do they find their way? How is it that young and inexperienced birds are able to travel independently of their parents and still reach their destination? The first edition of Dr Matthews' monograph, published in 1955, summarised the experimental work which had been done up until that time and this second edition has built upon that important contribution, with extensive changes. Several developments are described, namely, the discovery that birds can orientate with reference to star patterns, the use of radar to follow migration by night as well as by day, and the attachment of miniature radio-transmitters to birds so that their individual flights can be followed. A new class of unexplained 'nonsense' orientation is also brought to light.

Table of Contents

  • Preface to the second edition
  • Preface to the first edition
  • Authors note
  • 1. Field observations of migration
  • 2. Experimental evidence for bearing-and-distance navigation
  • 3. The physical bases of diurnal one-direction navigation
  • 4. The physical bases of nocturnal on-direction navigation
  • 5. Homing experiments
  • 6. Homing orientation
  • 7. Theories of sensory contact with home and of inertial navigation
  • 8. Theories of navigation by geophysical 'grids'
  • 9. Theories of navigation by astronomical 'grids'
  • 10. Theories of navigation by a 'grid' derived from the sun's coordinates
  • 11. Field tests of theories of navigation by the sun's coordinates
  • 12. The anatomical and physiological limitations of the avian eye
  • 13. Motion, time and memory
  • Scientific names of species mentioned
  • References
  • Index.

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