PMID: 3761221Aug 1, 1986Paper

Directional components derived from initial-orientation data of inexperienced homing pigeons

Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology
H G Wallraff

Abstract

1,324 vanishing bearings of individual pigeons, completely inexperienced in homing, were recorded during 100 releases at 36 sites symmetrically distributed around their home loft near Würzburg at distances ranging from 7 to 180 km. Two directional components could be derived from the data: a weak but significant 'homeward component' pointing to the loft site and a more pronounced 'compass component' pointing to the northwest. With the latter kind of tendency the pigeons clearly demonstrated what earlier had been described as 'preferred compass direction' (PCD). Homeward directedness at the 36 differently situated release sites is negatively correlated with angular divergence between PCD and homeward direction. Compass preferences derived from different quartets of symmetrically arranged sites were similar. Over a period of 11 years the PCD varied significantly in time but did not change fundamentally. Interrelations between various parameters of initial-orientation data were investigated by correlation analyses . PCDs have not only been found in the Würzburg area but around many other loft sites as well. They are, however, differently pronounced, and in experienced pigeons they are generally weaker than in first-flight birds. V...Continue Reading

References

Oct 1, 1985·Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology·R Wiltschko, W Wiltschko
Jan 1, 1973·Behaviour·H G Wallraff, L C Graue
Oct 6, 1981·British Dental Journal·E Samson

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Citations

Apr 1, 1988·Die Naturwissenschaften·A GagliardoS Benvenuti
Jul 19, 1999·Behavioural Processes·M MazzottoA Gagliardo

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