title: Experimental analysis of behavior of homing pigeons as a result of functional disorders of their lagena.
abstract: Behavioral experiments concerning the homing abilities of pigeons were done by sectioning their lagenal nerves or interfering with the function of the lagena using a magnet. Twenty-one birds were treated in this way and 30 birds from the same loft of racing pigeons were used as controls. The results of homing tests clearly revealed a magnetic influence on the function of the lagena in terms of the navigation ability of pigeons: the treated birds were either lost or significantly delayed while the controls returned within 30 min of release. The lagena of birds is a unique organ and it is concluded that it is a key element in the magnetic sensory system of birds.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Japan. harada-y@city.hiroshima.jp
authors.forename: Yasuo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Harada
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D010856:Columbidae / Q000502:physiology*; D003714:Denervation; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006702:Homing Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D008280:Magnetics; D010037:Otolithic Membrane / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*