A Brain Atlas of the Northern Fulmar <i>(Fulmarus glacialis) </i>in Stereotaxic Coordinates

Abstract

The brain of a procellariiform bird, the Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), is presented in the form of a stereotaxic atlas. The Northern Fulmar is especially interesting because both field and laboratory evidence support olfaction as one of its major sensory systems. The nasal cavity and olfactory bulb of most procellariiforms are among the largest of all avian orders; the central olfactory pathways may be more extensive as well. A brain atlas of the Northern Fulmar, a relatively accessible procellariiform species on which several studies have already been done, can provide reference for research both on neural mechanisms underlying olfaction and on comparative neuroanatomical data within Aves and between avian and nonavian groups.