[Electric phenomena in the pigeon telencephalon during pecking]

Electrographic correlates of pecking were studied in 50 unrestrained pigeons. The motor potentials appeared earlier (40 msec before pecking) in the Wulst than in the neo-, ecto- and archistriatum (18-28 msec before pecking). Out of 280 examined neurons, 83% were activated and 6% inhibited by pecking. The pre- and postpecking histograms indicated a rostrocaudal activation of the telencephalon. The amplitude of evoked responses to flashes changed in the tectum during pecking.