Migratory birds have an impressive ability to travel thousands of kilometers with unerring precision , finding their way without maps or GPS. A new study has revealed that this astonishing sense of direction is due to quantum mechanics and the way birds perceive the Earth's magnetic field .

The key to this ability lies in a special protein in their eyes called cryptochrome , which allows them to detect Earth's magnetic field. Scientists have discovered that this protein uses a quantum mechanical phenomenon called quantum coherence , meaning that birds can perceive the magnetic field in a way completely different from any other living being.

The discovery of this mechanism not only helps us understand how birds migrate, but could also revolutionize navigation technology. If scientists can replicate this system, they could create advanced biological compasses, improve orientation in mobile devices, and develop technologies that harness quantum properties for communication and transportation.