Research article summary (published 21 Sep 2009):

Behavior and spatial learning in radial mazes in birds.

Full Abstract

This review addresses studies of spatial memory and learning in birds performed using the radial maze method. Descriptions of different versions of this test (standard and "giant" tunnel-type mazes, as well as unstructured "analogs") are described and the methodological problems of testing birds are discussed. Behavioral measures from birds and laboratory rats, as the "standard" system for radial maze studies, are compared. The characteristics of spatial learning in birds of different systematic groups (pigeons, tits, corvids, chickens, etc.) are compared. Particular attention is paid to studies addressing spatial memory in closely related bird species with different ecological features, in terms of the ability to hoard food and finding their hoards after prolonged time periods, as well as to the few reports of results from experiments with migrant birds and homing pigeons.

Author information

Author/s: Pleskacheva, M G (MG);

Affiliation: Department of Higher Nervous Activity, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia. marina_pleskacheva(-atsign-)yahoo.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Neuroscience and behavioral physiology (Neurosci Behav Physiol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 39 (issue 8) : pp 725-39

Dates: Created 2009/09/25; Completed 2009/10/05;

PMID: 19779825, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/5/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals Behavior, Animal - physiology Birds - physiology

Birds - physiology Maze Learning - physiology Space Perception - physiology

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