Social especially agonistic behaviour in the pigeon

Abstract

This study describes the social behaviour of the pigeon, with particular reference to agonistic behaviour. The ethogram, presented In Chapter 2, Includes a description of the aggressive, courtship and maintenance behaviour patterns of pigeons. A selection of sonograms of pigeon vocalisations, which shows the diversity of the calls, and their association with the accompanying behaviour, is presented. The function and causation of some of the behaviour patterns are discussed. In an attempt to investigate the mechanisms involved In the regulation of aggression between conspecific neighbours, the agonistic behaviour shown by a dominant male pigeon, when allowed to Interact with a subordinate male, was recorded over 10 days (Experiment 1). It was found that aggressive behaviour showed a large decrement over the first two days. Threatening behaviour became more evident thereafter. The causal and functional significance of these and other agonistic behaviours are discussed In this context. It was shown that diurnal rhythms did not affect agonistic behaviour. The effects of total social Isolation on agonistic behaviour was investigated in three male pigeons (Experiment 2). The results obtained do not suggest a build-up of an "aggressive drive", during the periods In isolation, which is expressed through the performance of aggressive behaviour after isolation. The possible effects of Isolation on other agonistic behaviours are discussed.