Abstract
IT must be conceded that the rate of change of the Sun's azimuth could, in principle, be measured by reference to the orientation of the waves on the sea, but the possibility of using this method for navigation requires closer scrutiny. If it be assumed that the bird can use the maximum accuracy available, the problem falls into three parts : (1) Within what limits can the direction of the waves be defined ? (2) Within what limits may its rate of change be deemed to be zero ? (3) To what distance on the ground does the minimum detectable change of rate of change of azimuth correspond ?
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
PENNYCUICK, C. Sun Navigation by Birds. Nature 188, 1127–1128 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1038/1881127b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1881127b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
