Home-related and home-independent orientation of displaced pigeons with and without olfactory access to environmental air

摘要: Abstract Abstract. Using a standardized procedure, homing pigeons, Columba livia, hitherto inexperienced in were released 30 km north, south, east and west from home, this sequence. Half of the birds (FX) prevented smelling natural odours by filtration air they breathed before release nasal anaesthesia with xylocain upon release. The other half (NN) could smell at site. Sixty releases (18 each north 12 west) conducted course 3 years. Initial orientation patterns site-specifically different but remarkably similar NN FX. A general preference for northwesterly directions was common to both groups. An additional direction towards however, observed only birds. These findings suggest that all initial FX, great deal NN, is home-independent orientation. Fluctuations year as well between days largely synchronized indicating temporal variability pigeons' behaviour also, least considerable degree, independent navigation process. Owing their composite origin, which part probably has little or nothing do home-finding mechanism, bearings pigeons need be evaluated interpreted appropriate care.