Effects of Signal Modality on Signal-Controlled Responses in Pigeons

Abstract

LOPATIO, D. and P. LEWIS. 1986. Effects of signalmodality on signal-controlledresponses in pigeons. Bird Behaviour 6: 53-57. Twelvepigeonswereexposedto trials in whicha signalwasfollowedby peck-dependentgrain. If the pigeon pecked a key while the signalwason, grain availabilitywasomitted for that trial. Birds in Group 1 were tested with three types of signal: tone, keylightand diffuse light. The tone produced more omissionresponding than either visual stimulus.Birds in Group 2 were tested with a tone and keylightafter being trained to key peck with matching key and feeder lights.Matchingthe colour of the key and feeder lightsincreased the frequencyof the omission respondingduring the keylightsignalwhencompared to respondingby Group 1. Results are discussedin the context of the visual dominance of pigeons.