Release-site bias as a possible guide to the “map” component in pigeon homing

Abstract

In an attempt to learn more about the so-called “map” component in pigeon navigation, nine series of tests comprising 34 test releases were performed at a release site, 89 miles NNE of Ithaca, New York, where Cornell pigeons regularly depart nonrandomly but with a large clockwise deviation from the true home direction. The tests included releases of: (1) experienced pigeons new to the site, under sun; (2) pigeons with previous experience at the site, under sun; (3) experienced pigeons new to the site, under total overcast; (4) pigeons with previous experience at the site, under total overcast; (5) first-flight youngsters, under sun; (6) directionally trained pigeons; (7) pigeons from two other Ithaca-area lofts; (8) pigeons from two more distant lofts; (9) Bank Swallows from an Ithaca colony; (10) clock-shifted pigeons; (11) radio- and airplane-tracked pigeons.