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Skeptoid

Skeptoid #523: How Do Homing Pigeons Navigate?

Skeptoid

Brian Dunning

Paranormal, History, Skeptic, Science, Skepticism, Urban Legends, Social Sciences, Conspiracy Theories

4.63K Ratings

🗓️ 14 June 2016

⏱️ 15 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

The latest and greatest research reveals that we still have no clue how birds accomplish this amazing feat.

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Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

The idea that homing pigeons rely on Earth's magnetic field to help them navigate vast distances

0:09.8

is a popular one, but it's also pretty thoroughly debunked.

0:14.2

Nevertheless, you still see it given as the explanation in most articles and even in

0:19.1

encyclopedias.

0:21.0

What this means is that none of the reporters have any clue how the pigeons do it.

0:26.5

Well we actually know a lot about it.

0:28.9

Only we've found the many ways they don't navigate.

0:32.9

Homing pigeons are coming right up, UnSkeptoid.

0:41.9

Calling all skeptics and critical thinkers, we want to give you all a bunch of cool new

0:46.8

stuff.

0:48.0

We just want your help telling us what you want the most.

0:50.9

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0:54.0

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0:59.2

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1:03.2

we add first.

1:05.0

Your opinions matter and we want to ensure that we're stocking the items that resonate

1:09.1

most with you, our favorite listeners.

1:12.7

Help us create an exceptional collection that reflects the true spirit of Skeptoid.

1:17.6

Your voice matters so don't hesitate.

1:20.0

Click your favorite items in the survey today and let's shape the future of the Skeptoid

1:24.2

stores offerings together.

1:26.5

Take the survey today at Skeptoid.com slash survey.

...

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