Induction of Zugunruhe by photostimulation of encephalic receptors in white-crowned sparrows.
Daily 20-hour encephalic photophases (DEPP), transmitted (hours 0 to 20) via chronically implanted light-conducting fibers to selected sites in the basal hypothalamus of male white-crowned sparrows, were superimposed on daily 8-hour (hours 0 to 8) external ambient photophases (DAPP). Initially the birds displayed motor activity only during the 8-hour DAPP. After a delay of at least 2 weeks, some of the birds became intensively active during hours 8 to 20. We postulate that this period of "nocturnal" activity is equivalent to the nocturnal Zugunruhe shown by caged individuals of many nocturnally migratory species subjected to long days; such activity is generally regarded as the expression of migratory behavior.
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000254:growth & development