This recent study by the University of Konstanz has opened a window into how pigeons keep an eye on their buddies. Led by Fumihiro Kano and Mathilde Delacoux, this latest study tested the gaze-following behavior of pigeons in an extensive testing environment. The researchers followed social networks of pigeons in a high-tech pigeon barn in Möggingen, close to Lake Constance. Specifically, they wanted to determine whether the birds would track another pigeon’s gaze when it was directed at a moving target.
In this case, pigeons were split into two groups facing each other. One group was exposed to a moving object that captured their attention, while the other group remained unaware of it, as the object was hidden behind a barrier. The researchers designed this unique experimental setup to manipulate various variables. They adjusted the number of pigeons presented, setting it to display one, three, five, or more pigeons per trial.
These pigeon studies showed that if only one pigeon was looking in a particular direction, the rest would not be inclined to do the same. Delacoux expressed in an interview that this behavior seems to be more reflexive as opposed to an intentional act of copying.
Understanding Gaze-Following Behavior
Gaze-following isn’t simply a homing pigeon behavior. Fairly well-known animal species, including humans, possess this interesting characteristic. What Delacoux stressed was the importance of gaze-following by stating, “All animals, including humans, are biologically programmed to follow the gaze of others. This process, called gaze-following, is a basic but essential way to share attention and learn from each other.”
The study’s results indicate that as the number of pigeons demonstrating gaze cues increases, so does the likelihood that other pigeons will follow their lead. Delacoux continued, saying that to track someone else’s gaze is the key to survival. It serves as an essential function in searching for food and being aware of predators and other dangers.
The researchers aimed to determine if a larger group of pigeons looking at an object would influence others to do the same. This technique was similar to previous behavioral studies with humans. Most importantly, it brought to light how important social dynamics are for attention-sharing in species that live in groups.
The Role of Group Composition
Kano and Delacoux ran a number of different trials, changing how many pigeons could see the moving object. As the composition of the groups changed — from one visible pigeon to several — their findings demonstrated a clear pattern: gaze-following in pigeons increases with the number of demonstrators present.
Delacoux said that pigeons are particularly well suited for these types of studies because they are generally a very social bird forming large flocks. Pigeons are really good at this,” she explained. They are frequently seen in huge flocks, but almost always accompanied by large numbers of their congeners. In these orientations, in such groups, it should be advantageous to one’s own goals of foraging, vigilance—to know where or what the other is looking for.
Kano contributed to this viewpoint, arguing that group-level studies are essential to understanding animal behavior. Almost all animals arose in the evolutionary sense in herds. We need to look at them in combo to really understand what they’re saying and how they’re communicating, to that effect,” he said.
Implications of Gaze-Following Research
This study sheds new light on pigeons’ mental abilities. Not only does it add to our general understanding of animal cognition and social interactions, the findings challenge previous assumptions that pigeons only imitate what their flockmates do. First, they purposefully change their gaze-following behavior depending on how many peers are providing cues, paving a new avenue into understanding animal communication.
Delacoux concluded her thoughts on the matter with an interesting observation: “I believe that you think there is something interesting there, so I’ll have a look for myself.” This last quote cuts to the heart of why gaze-following is such an important component of social learning in animals.
The study’s findings were published in the journal iScience under the title “Gaze following in pigeons increases with the number of demonstrators.” Besides deepening our understanding of avian social behavior, this contribution shines light on the complexity of interactions within animal groups.
