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Hierarchical group dynamics in pigeon flocks.

Máté Nagy1, Zsuzsa Akos, Dora Biro

  • 1Department of Biological Physics, Eötvös University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1A, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary.

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Homing pigeons in flocks exhibit a hierarchy based on directional choices and spatial position. This suggests hierarchical flock organization may be more efficient for collective flight than egalitarian structures.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal behavior
  • Collective motion
  • Bio-inspired physics

Background:

  • Group animal movement exhibits complex patterns from local interactions.
  • Collecting high-resolution spatiotemporal data for collective motion is technologically challenging, especially in natural settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate collective movement in homing pigeons using high-resolution GPS tracking.
  • To identify hierarchical structures and interaction dynamics within pigeon flocks.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized lightweight GPS devices to record track logs of homing pigeons in flocks (up to 10 individuals).
  • Analyzed data using correlation functions inspired by statistical physics to determine pairwise interactions and hierarchy.

Main Results:

  • A clear hierarchy was identified among flock members based on leading roles in pairwise interactions, determined by directional choice delay times.
  • A pigeon's average spatial position within the flock correlated with its hierarchical rank.
  • Birds responded faster to conspecifics perceived by the left eye, indicating differential sensory roles.

Conclusions:

  • The study reveals a hierarchical organization in homing pigeon flocks, with distinct roles for individuals based on position and interaction dynamics.
  • Hierarchical flock organization may offer evolutionary advantages in efficiency over egalitarian structures for certain flock sizes.
  • Differential visual perception (left eye) plays a role in flock coordination and response times.