title: Bayesian analysis of foraging by pigeons (Columba livia).
abstract: In this article, the authors combine models of timing and Bayesian revision of information concerning patch quality to predict foraging behavior. Pigeons earned food by pecking on 2 keys (patches) in an experimental chamber. Food was primed for only 1 of the patches on each trial. There was a constant probability of finding food in a primed patch, but it accumulated only while the animals searched there. The optimal strategy was to choose the better patch first and remain for a fixed duration, thereafter alternating evenly between the patches. Pigeons were nonoptimal in 3 ways: (a) they departed too early, (b) their departure times were variable, and (c) they were biased in their choices after initial departure. The authors review various explanations of these data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287, USA. killeen@asu.edu
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Killeen
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Palombo
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Gottlob
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Beam
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001070:Appetitive Behavior; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D009042:Motivation; D009949:Orientation; D011337:Probability Learning; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule