Magnetic compass orientation of European robins under 565 nm green light

Abstract.

European robins tested under monochromatic green light with a peak wavelength of 565 nm at an intensity of 2.1 mW m^–2 in the local geomagnetic field preferred their migratory direction, heading southward in autumn and northward in spring. Inverting of the vertical component of the magnetic field caused the robins to reverse their headings, indicating that the birds used a magnetic inclination compass to locate their migratory direction. The behavior recorded under green light at an intensity of 2.1 mW m^–2 is thus not different from that previously recorded under "white" light; it represents normal migratory orientation.