The pigeon as a model for comparative behavioral pharmacology and toxicology

The effects of several drugs and neurotoxins on schedule-controlled responding are reviewed in a number of species. In general, the behavioral effects of these chemicals in different species differ quantitatively more frequently than qualitatively. The sensitivity of schedule-controlled behavior to chemical effects across species does not show any obvious relationship to position on the phylogenetic tree. Pigeons are more sensitive, less sensitive, or equally sensitive to chemicals than other species, depending on the chemical. Because pigeons are inexpensive, have a long life span and are easy to train and handle, they should receive serious consideration as a species of choice for behavioral testing of potential neurobehavioral toxins.