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Pigeons' eyes are almost perfectly still when they're flying, study finds

Harvard University researchers discovered that pigeons keep their eyes almost perfectly still after take-off. The birds use a near-fixed gaze instead of moving their eyes while in the air. This behavior is detailed in the journal Current Biology.

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New research reveals that pigeons lock their gaze in place during flight.

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  1. Study Finds Pigeons Lock Eyes During Flight

    Harvard University researchers discovered that pigeons keep their eyes almost perfectly still after take-off. The birds use a near-fixed gaze instead of moving their eyes while in the air. This behavior is detailed in the journal Current Biology.

    What's confirmed:

    • Pigeons lock their eyes in a near-fixed position while flying.
    • Harvard University researchers conducted the study by attaching a lightweight rig of cameras and mirrors to nine pigeons.
    • The research findings were published in the journal Current Biology.
    • On the ground, pigeons use head movements and minor eye adjustments to look around.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Locking their gaze may assist with navigation and balance but could make pigeons easier to catch.
    • Pigeon navigation during certain conditions is governed by processes in their livers.
    confidence 100%