Homing experiments with the Domestic Dove  Streptopelia risoria

BONADONNA F., BENVENUTI S. and IOALÈ P.

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Abstract:

A group of 4-14 months old do mesti c doves (Streptopelia risoria), which had been raised according to the procedures used in investigations on pigeon homing, was subjected to test releases at various distances (0.1 to 9.0 km) from the home loft. The results show that this tame bird species owns a strong homing drive which, however, is not supported by a true navigational mechanism. Good homing success was in fact reported only in tests carri ed out at sites where the doves had a direct view of the home loft , or after the birds had been given the opportunity to develop familiarity with the test area.