Was reading some of the archived articles and found the discussion on ‘why do pigeons bob their heads’ question rather interesting. Our dear Cecil maintains that it is a means to maintain balance. Others are opposed to this theory and are convinced that it has nothing to do with balance and all to do with eyesite and focusing abilities.
I was originally on Cecil’s side of this debate, but then it occured to me that when pigeons or chickens or other bobbly headed birds are CARRIED…they still bob their heads. However, if you block their vision with your hand, the bobbing ceases. They are focused on your hand (and I suppose the other eye would be focused on your chest) both of which would not appear to the bird, to be moving.
Hence, my brilliant deduction that the bobbing motion is INDEED a result of visual stimuli…not, in fact, balance oriented.
Anyone else have any enlightening thoughts on this debate?
lungewhipqueen