This research line aimed at:
- Studying the the integration of visual (sun, light polarization, star configuration) and non-visual (magnetic field) compass systems
- Analysing the ecological factor affecting the spatial behaviour and the stopover length of migrating birds
The experimental models used in the experiments were both day- and night-migrating birds belonging to Anseriformes (Anatidae), Charadriiformes (Scolopacidae, Charadriidae) and Passeriformes (Hirundinidae, Muscicapidae). Birds are caught during spring and autumn migration in several stopover sites located along the Italian coast (Parco di Migliarino, San Rossore e Massaciuccoli) o on Mediterranean Islands (Pontino Archipelago). Birds behaviour is recorded both in captivity using orientation cages and videorecorders, or in the wild using several tracking methods (VHF or satellite telemetry)