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Hierarchical group dynamics in pigeon flocks

Author

Listed:
  • Máté Nagy

    (Eötvös University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1A, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary)

  • Zsuzsa Ákos

    (Eötvös University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1A, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary)

  • Dora Biro

    (University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK)

  • Tamás Vicsek

    (Eötvös University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1A, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
    Statistical and Biological Physics Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Pázmány Péter sétány 1A, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary)

Abstract

An airborne pecking order Birds of a feather proverbially flock together, but just how large groups of animals move in a coordinated way has defied complete explanation. Do they follow a leader, or does pattern emerge from a set of simple behavioural rules? Until now the question has been addressed largely with numerical modelling, but with the availability of miniature 'backpack-style' GPS loggers weighing just 16 grams, it is now possible to track each bird in a flock and test the models against direct measurement. Experiments using flocks of up to 10 homing pigeons reveal that a bird's position in the flight depends on its place in a well-defined social hierarchy — an airborne 'pecking order'. Intriguingly, birds respond more quickly to a flock-mate seen primarily with the left eye, adding to evidence that they have specific roles dependent on their position in the flock.

Suggested Citation

  • Máté Nagy & Zsuzsa Ákos & Dora Biro & Tamás Vicsek, 2010. "Hierarchical group dynamics in pigeon flocks," Nature, Nature, vol. 464(7290), pages 890-893, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:464:y:2010:i:7290:d:10.1038_nature08891
    DOI: 10.1038/nature08891
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