Homing Pigeon GPS Route Data from Monocular Learning Experiment

GPS tracking data from 12 homing pigeons (Columba livia) used to study the effect of monocular vision on route learning and recapitulation. The experiment employed an A-B-A design where birds switched which eye was used for homing, testing route fidelity and the establishment of new idiosyncratic routes. The data originates from a study investigating the behavioral consequences of neuroanatomical visual asymmetry.

Use Cases

• Analyze GPS route recapitulation fidelity between monocular learning conditions (e.g., left eye vs. right eye).
• Compare the spatial characteristics of idiosyncratic routes formed after switching from left-eye to right-eye training.
• Model the influence of visual input asymmetry (Tecto Fugal Pathway) on homing behavior from familiar release sites.
• Quantify route learning and establishment patterns in Columba livia under controlled monocular conditions.

Strengths

• Data from a controlled experiment with 12 pigeons in an A-B-A design.
• Focuses on a specific neuroanatomical hypothesis regarding visual asymmetry and route learning.
• Associated with peer-reviewed research on homing behavior in Columba livia.

Limitations

• Small sample size of 12 birds limits statistical power for broad generalizations.
• Specific data structure, column details, and file formats are unknown.
• Geographic and temporal coverage of the flight data is not specified.

Provenance

Source

Dryad digital repository.

Collection Method

Data gathered using on-board global positioning system (GPS) loggers on homing pigeons.

Freshness

Last updated in June 2020.