Feral Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) soaring through the sky. Credit: Alan D. Wilson/Wikipedia.
Amidst the exceptional cycling infrastructure of the Netherlands lies a peculiar challenge faced by cyclists in Utrecht – pigeons.
Picture this: you’re cruising under the sun, feeling the wind in your hair, when suddenly, you have to swerve to avoid a pigeon leisurely crossing your path. It’s a common occurrence that leaves many cyclists puzzled by the seemingly reckless behavior of these birds. However, recent research sheds light on the intelligence of pigeons, challenging our perceptions.
A study published in the journal PLOS Biology delves into the collective intelligence and flight patterns of pigeons, hinting at a level of intellect that may surprise us all.
Years ago, a study by biologists Takao Sasaki and Dora Biro revealed how pigeons navigate their way back home with remarkable precision. The birds, initially taking a meandering route, gradually learn and adopt a more efficient path with each release.
Furthermore, when inexperienced pigeons were paired with seasoned flyers, the new route became increasingly optimized over generations, showcasing a form of cumulative culture and social learning known as a “ratchet” effect.
2024-06-09 12:51:02
Article from phys.org