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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

A Method for Investigating Change Blindness in Pigeons (Columba Livia)

A Method for Investigating Change Blindness in Pigeons (Columba Livia)

Published on: September 7, 2018

Choice in free-ranging wild pigeons.

Science (New York, N.Y.)

|July 5, 1974

Summary

Wild pigeons trained to peck buttons for grain demonstrated the matching law, a principle of behavioral economics. This suggests the matching law may govern choices in natural environments for complex organisms.

Area of Science:

Behavioral science
Animal behavior
Behavioral economics

Background:

The matching law is a well-established principle in laboratory settings.
Understanding animal choices in natural environments is crucial for behavioral science.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if the matching law applies to the aggregate behavior of free-ranging wild pigeons.
To explore the applicability of laboratory-derived behavioral principles to naturalistic settings.

Main Methods:

A flock of wild pigeons was trained to peck buttons for intermittent grain access.
Group pecking behavior was aggregated and analyzed.
Button choices were compared to grain obtained ratios.

Main Results:

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The ratio of pigeon pecks at two choice buttons closely matched the ratio of grain obtained from each button.
This observed behavior aligns with predictions from the matching law.

Conclusions:

The matching law appears to accurately describe the foraging choices of wild pigeons in a semi-naturalistic setting.
Findings suggest the matching law may be a general principle applicable to higher organisms in natural environments.