The Role of Outward Journey Information in the Orientation of Homing Pigeons

Abstract

To study the role of outward-journey information in the navigational system of birds, the orientation behavior of inexperienced pigeons of various ages was analyzed. Our findings suggest that information collected en route plays a very important role during the development of the orientation system. Route reversal provides a first mechanism of orientation prior to the establishing of a navigation "map". More experienced birds seem to use mostly information collected at the release site. This is in agreement with the model proposed by W. Wiltschko and R. Wiltschko (1976,1978,1979).