DISTANT GOAL ORIENTATION IN BIRDS.
Abstract
Unsuccessful efforts were made to register orientation in non-flying pigeons. Transportation of anesthetized birds had no effect on ititial orientation or homing. No relation was found between initial orientation and magnetic anomalies. There is no intermediate zone of poor initial for pigeons homing to a Bowling Green, Ohio loft. Pigeons with one eye surgically removed were able to home. Helicopter tracking is suitable and efficient for the observation of pigeon navigation behavior. The homeward path varies considerably from the straight line path, sudden attitude changes occur, very small (LESS THAN 1 degree) changes in direction occur every few seconds on most flights although they were less pronounced on some days. A map of short distance initial orientation vectors is being constructed. A study of pigeon orientation after transatlantic displacement is nearly finished. The length of time a bird remains in sight after release becomes significantly shorter after the first two hours on some days but not on others. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0695505
Entities
People
- Louis C. Graue
Organizations
- Bowling Green State University