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Visual control of head movements during avian locomotion

Nature volume 255, pages 67–69 (1975)Cite this article

Abstract

THE impression that pigeons, chickens, and many other common birds bob their heads backward and forward as they walk is compelling but illusory. In reality, the walking bird thrusts its head forward, then holds it nearly stationary while the neck retracts and the body catches up. The head moves backward and forward with respect to the body, but moves only forward in the environment. Although this was demonstrated on film more than 40 years ago1, theorists concerned with the evolution of visual systems2–4 continue to suggest that a back and forth oscillation of the head is important in avian vision.

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Author notes

  1. MARK B. FRIEDMAN

    Present address: Department of Psychology, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ, UK

    MARK B. FRIEDMAN

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  1. MARK B. FRIEDMAN
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FRIEDMAN, M. Visual control of head movements during avian locomotion. Nature 255, 67–69 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/255067a0

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