Visual search in the pigeon: hunt and peck method

Science. 1977 May 27;196(4293):1013-4. doi: 10.1126/science.860129.

Abstract

Pigeons pecked at small forms displayed on an oscilloscope screen under computer control. The birds were required to find a small o amid varying numbers of x forms. A photocell glued to the bird's beak provided a signal to the computer when the beak approached a form, and the computer recorded the time and target of the response. As in some similar studies with human subjects, erros and reaction times increased with number of x forms displayed. The method appears promising for further studies of search and of other processes related to perception and information-processing in birds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Columbidae / physiology*
  • Form Perception / physiology*
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology*
  • Time Factors