Researchers at the prestigious Lund University in Sweden have determined that a cryptochrome (CRY4) in eyes of birds enables their perception of Earth's magnetic field (magnetoreception).  According the university's April 6th article:

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...researchers at Lund University have studied different proteins in the eyes of zebra finches and discovered that one of them differs from the others: only the Cry4 protein maintains a constant level throughout the day and in different lighting conditions.

I imagine adaptations to the human eye may soon arrive.  Enjoy! 

Edited April 8, 20187 yr by DrmDoc

The conclusion have to be more careful.They found a candidate protein that, because of its expression pattern, might be involved in magnetoception. However, they have not determined whether it is really the case.

Adaptation require selection, and base on what advantage ?

5 hours ago, MaximThibodeau said:

Adaptation require selection, and base on what advantage ?

It would help with navigation, presumably. Especially for migratory birds. 

An interesting discovery for sure.

Birds are a window into the past. It's amazing to think of the humble pigeon as a ruthless Jurassic predator.