Scientists just tracked a pigeon’s eyes in flight, and the birds do something unexpected after take-off: They lock their gaze in place, which may help with balance and navigation, but could also leave them easier to catch

Pigeons, surprisingly, lock their gaze forward when flying, a stark contrast to their ground-level alertness. This allows for simplified visual processing and enhanced flight stability. However, this fixed vision creates a significant blind spot, making them vulnerable to aerial predators. This discovery challenges existing biological understanding and could inspire drone navigation technology.