Homing behavior of pigeons after telencephalic ablations

Area of Science:

• Avian neurobiology
• Animal behavior
• Navigation and orientation

Background:

• Pigeons possess remarkable homing abilities.
• The neural mechanisms underlying pigeon homing behavior are not fully understood.
• Previous research has implicated various brain regions in avian navigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of the dorsomedial forebrain in pigeon homing.
• To determine the necessity of the visual Wulst for successful homing.
• To elucidate the specific stages of the homing process affected by brain lesions.

Main Methods:

• Lesions were surgically induced in the dorsomedial forebrain and visual Wulst of pigeons.
• Pigeons were released from training and novel sites at varying distances from their home loft.
• Homeward orientation and successful homing were recorded and compared between lesioned and control groups.

Main Results:

• Dorsomedial forebrain ablated birds showed intact orientation but failed to home successfully from distances.
• Visual Wulst ablated birds demonstrated normal homing behavior, indicating this region is not essential.
• Pigeons with dorsomedial forebrain lesions struggled to reassociate with their home loft, suggesting recognition deficits.

Conclusions:

• The avian dorsomedial forebrain is critical for the final stage of homing: loft reassociation.
• Lesions in the dorsomedial forebrain impair the recognition of the home loft and its surroundings.
• The visual Wulst is not essential for successful pigeon homing behavior.