Light-dependent information: influence of loft conditions on young pigeon’s navigational system |
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Authors: | Paulo Esteves Jorge and Luís Vicente |
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Institution: | (1) Departamento Biologia Animal, Centro de Biologia Ambiental FCUL, Lisboa, Rua Ernesto Vasconcelos, Bloco C2, 3° piso, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal |
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Abstract: | This study compares the initial orientation and homing performance of young inexperienced pigeons following their transportation
to near and distant places in total darkness (treatment) and their subsequent release. The birds were housed in two lofts
at the Lisbon Zoo. Each loft had its own specific features: the H-loft was exposed to prevailing winds and allowed an unhindered
view of the surrounding landscape; the L-loft was protected from the wind and allowed only a partial view of the surroundings.
Pigeons used in the release tests were between 6 and 7 weeks old. We found that, in general, the initial orientation of the
pigeons was affected by the treatment: following release at near places, there was an increase in the scatter and a decrease
the homeward component, suggesting that light-dependent information collected en route was used by young pigeons. The effect
of the treatment was only temporary based on the observation that the homing performance was not affected. However, the distance
of the release site strongly influenced the homing performances as pigeons appeared to be unable to home when released at
locations distant from the loft. Based on the scatter or the homeward component, inter-loft differences were apparent with
respect to different median vanishing intervals and the reactions of specific pigeons when subjected to the same treatment
(transport in darkness) following release at near and distant places. These findings suggest that light-dependent information
collected en route is a component of the young pigeon’s navigational system but that, at the young age of the birds tested
here, it is preferentially used in familiar areas. In addition, the importance of the light-dependent information appears
to depend upon prior experience obtained in the lofts. |
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Keywords: | Homing pigeons Loft features Light-dependent information Landmarks Navigational system |
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