IMPRINTING IN AN ALTRICIAL BIRD: THE BLOND RING DOVE (STREPTOPELIA RISORIA).
Newborn ring doves were taken away from their parents when they were from 4 to 14 days old. They were then either raised by hand in complete visual isolation from other members of their species or placed in a community cage after weaning. They were tested as adults in a free-choice situation between human beings and ring doves. An optimum period for imprinting was found when they were about 7 to 9 days old. The controls showed that subsequent experiences during the life span of a bird also have an effect on the choice of a mate, and, in this species, imprinting can be said to be reversible.
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001717:Birds; D010856:Columbidae; D006801:Humans; D007173:Imprinting, Psychological; D012106:Research
BEHAVIOR, ANIMAL; BIRDS; EXPERIMENTAL LAB STUDY; IMPRINTING (PSYCHOLOGY)