Electricity, Magnetism and Birds

When we consider how physics applies to birds, we are inclined to think about topics such as the aerodynamics of flight, the mechanics of feathers and bills, the optics enabling eagle vision, the pigments and structural features that produce vibrant colors, the thermodynamic demands of living under temperature extremes, or the acoustics of birdsong. We tend not to associate the seemingly more esoteric fields of electricity and magnetism with our avian neighbors, but there are fascinating ways in which they are relevant. This presentation will review several examples, with a focus on the mechanism by which birds are thought to perceive the earth’s magnetic field as an aid for navigation.

Michael Hurben earned his PhD in physics from Colorado State University in 1996, where his research focused on magnetic resonance in ferrite materials. He has worked in academic and industrial settings, including over two decades in the magnetic recording industry. He is an avid naturalist and birder, and has accumulated a life list exceeding 5,000 bird species despite being legally blind. He is the author of The Physics of Birds and Birding(Pelagic, 2025).