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Avian flight without visual reference: preflight spinning produces spatial disorientation
Frank H Heppner1, Jennifer E Gabel, Kathryn March
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA. birdman@uri.edu
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|January 18, 2007
Summary
Blindfolded pigeons spun in a centrifuge showed disorientation, unlike sighted birds. This study models spatial disorientation (SD) in birds to understand pilot challenges in low visibility.
Area of Science:
- Avian behavior and physiology
- Aerospace human factors research
- Neuroscience of spatial orientation
Background:
- Birds navigate in low visibility without visual horizon cues.
- Human pilots experience spatial disorientation (SD) in similar conditions.
- Pigeons may offer insights into SD mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if pigeons exhibit signs of SD when visually impaired and subjected to rotational forces.
- To develop a model for studying SD in birds relevant to aviation safety.
- To explore avian resistance to spatial disorientation.
Main Methods:
- A custom centrifuge (ornifuge) was used to spin pigeons (n=67) around their head's vertical axis.
- Pigeons were tested under four conditions: static/sighted, static/blindfolded, spinning/sighted, and spinning/blindfolded.
- Flight behavior and landing stability were recorded post-release.
Main Results:
- Blindfolded, spinning pigeons (Spin-Cover) showed abnormal flight in 50% of cases and staggering in 72%.
- Sighted, spinning pigeons (Spin-See) exhibited momentary hovering in 27% of trials.
- Static birds (sighted or blindfolded) displayed normal flight patterns.
Conclusions:
- Centrifuge-induced rotation significantly impaired blindfolded pigeons' flight, indicating susceptibility to SD.
- This avian model can aid in understanding pilot SD in instrument meteorological conditions.
- Further research can elucidate the mechanisms underlying birds' relative resistance to SD.
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