Pigeons and Doves

Overview

Pigeons have internal barometers and built-in compasses. The birds are sensitive to changes in air pressure and can detect the earth's magnetic field. But even more remarkable is "pigeon vision." Humans can see only a small part of the full spectrum of light—the visible spectrum. Pigeons, however, can detect ultraviolet light as well. They also detect polarized light which consists of light waves that vibrate in only one direction, unlike ordinary light waves which vibrate in many directions.

The painter, Jack Levine, was fascinated with pigeons.

Specimens

• Feathers
• Nests