Learning of magnetic compass directions in pigeons

Animal Cognition
Christiane WilzeckH Prior

Abstract

A proof of magnetic compass learning by pigeons under laboratory conditions has been attempted for decades, but all experiments have failed so far. The aim of the present study was to test whether pigeons can learn magnetic compass directions in an operant chamber if magnetic cues are presented as true spatial cues. Experimental sessions were carried out in the local geomagnetic field and in magnetic fields with matched total intensity and inclination, but different directions generated with Helmholtz-coils. Birds demonstrated successful learning with a performance level comparable to that in learning studies with magnetic anomalies. In addition, we compared the data from magnetic learning in the laboratory with performance from homing experiments in the field. The birds that were more successful in the learning experiment had vanishing bearings farther away from the home direction than the group mean at unfamiliar, but not at familiar sites. This might suggest that better learners explore unknown locations in a different way. Our findings represent the first evidence for operant magnetic compass learning in pigeons and also provide a link between behavioural data from the field and the laboratory.

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Citations

Jan 8, 2010·Journal of the Royal Society, Interface·Christiane WilzeckHelmut Prior
Nov 10, 2012·Behavioural Brain Research·Geert De GroofAnnemie Van der Linden
Sep 7, 2011·Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology·Susanne DenzauWolfgang Wiltschko
Dec 28, 2018·PeerJ·Sabine MartiniHynek Burda
Jan 29, 2021·PloS One·Jana AdámkováHynek Burda
Oct 4, 2014·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Cordula V MoraVerner P Bingman
Jun 3, 2021·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Elia GattoAngelo Bisazza
Jun 8, 2021·Frontiers in Physiology·Roswitha WiltschkoWolfgang Wiltschko
Sep 4, 2021·Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology·Roswitha Wiltschko, Wolfgang Wiltschko

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