What does the term 'bearing' refer to when discussing pigeons according to the text?

The term 'bearing' in the context of discussing pigeons refers to magnetic direction and range. This is a critical concept in understanding how pigeons navigate and orient themselves in their environment. Pigeons possess an innate ability to determine their location and direction, which is influenced by Earth's magnetic field. They use this information to travel long distances and return home.

When discussing navigation, 'bearing' specifically indicates the direction in which the pigeon is traveling relative to a fixed point. It informs the bird of its trajectory and helps in calculating the distance to their destination. This includes not only knowing the direction in terms of cardinal points but also understanding how far they need to go, which is linked to their ability to perceive magnetic fields.

This understanding of 'bearing' helps in comprehending the navigational skills of pigeons and how they rely on both magnetic direction and range to effectively reach their destinations.