Abstract
Various functions have been proposed for the avian eye pecten, including that of being a magnetic sensor useful during orientation. We examined the ultrastructure and chemical composition of pectens from Ring-billed Gulls and the chemical constituents of pigeon pectens to ascertain whether or not this structure is likely to function in such a capacity. Examination of the ultrastructure revealed several interesting features but none likely to be associated with a sensitivity to geomagnetic stimuli. Pigment granules abound in the pecten, particularly in the bridge portion, and we suspected that these might include magnetite or other ferrous material. By using a scanning electron microscope equipped with a KEVEX energy-dispersive electron microprobe X-ray analyzer, we found this not to be the case. The absence of magnetite and nervous tissue seems to rule out the possibility of the avian eye pecten being the location for the magnetic sensor of birds.
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Southern, W.E., Hanzely, L., Bailey, R.L., Molsen, D.V. (1982). Is the Avian Eye Pecten a Magnetic Sensor?. In: Papi, F., Wallraff, H.G. (eds) Avian Navigation. Proceedings in Life Sciences. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-68616-0_36
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-68616-0_36
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