Saw this article on ABC on-line…of course one has to take into account that it might not take a great deal to be a pigeon that is slightly smarter than one’s peers… http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-26/pigeon-flocks-lead-with-speed/6973036 Leading a flock is not a popularity contest if you’re a pigeon: instead flocks follow fast flyers that know their way around, a new study has found. Many birds travel in flocks, but the question of how they choose the leader has long puzzled scientists. Now a team of researchers led by Mr Benjamin Pettit from Oxford University think they have the answer. They fitted four flocks of 10 homing pigeons with small data logging backpacks and sent them on a series of group and solo flights. These tracked not only the birds’ skill in making a beeline for home, but also measured their ability to influence the flock’s direction by recording the fractional time delays it takes one bird to react to another when flying together. http://www.abc.net.au/contact/ The ABC is not responsible for the content of this email, and anything said in this email does not necessarily reflect the ABC’s views. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. The information contained in this email and any attachment is confidential and may contain legally privileged or copyright material. It is intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are not permitted to disseminate, distribute or copy this email or any attachments. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email from your system. The ABC does not represent or warrant that this transmission is secure or virus free. Before opening any attachment you should check for viruses. The ABC’s liability is limited to resupplying any email and attachment.
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