Investigation of the Mechanism and Purpose of Birds’ Head Bobbing
Date
2-18-2025
Faculty Mentor
Michael Burns, Biology
Files
Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
4:00-4:10 pm | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Please note: no video is available for this presentation.
This presentation will discuss why some bird species bob their heads and show how their musculoskeletal system allows this motion. Currently, there is a debate among scientists over whether the purpose behind the bobbing of the head of some bird species, including pigeons, is due to visual stabilization, balance, or another evolutionary adaptation. Research on a pigeon specimen was conducted at JSU to determine the mechanism and reason for the head bobbing movement. The presenter will share photos of the observations made in the lab and demonstrate how the neck muscles (longissimus capitis muscle, M. biventer cervicis muscle, and entotympanicus muscle) and other anatomical features support the hypothesis of visual stabilization. The results from the research hypothesize how the observed neck muscles have the capacity for this head movement. In addition, the observed neck muscles of the pigeon will be compared to vultures’ neck muscles from literature. Since vultures do not exhibit this unique movement, the locomotion of these two bird species will be contrasted to hypothesize the reason some species bob their heads.
Keywords
student research, biology
Rights
This content is the property of Jacksonville State University and is intended for non-commercial use. Video and images may be copied for personal use, research, teaching or any "fair use" as defined by copyright law. Users are asked to acknowledge Jacksonville State University. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@jsu.edu.
Disciplines
Biology
Recommended Citation
Riseborough, Emma, "Investigation of the Mechanism and Purpose of Birds’ Head Bobbing" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 60.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/60
