Individual Group Flight of European Starlings and Budgerigars in a Wind Tunnel Without a Horizon Reference

Author

Robert G. Moyle, University of Rhode Island

Date of Award

1996

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Zoology

Department

Zoology

First Advisor

Frank Heppner

Abstract

I studied the ability and willingness of European Starlings (Stumus vulgaris) and Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) to fly under different lighting conditions in a wind tunnel. My observations indicate that these birds can fly under conditions that supply no visual reference points, but their flight ability is more proficient when some light is available. The addition of a single horizon line to dark conditions improved the birds' flight ability and willingness, as indicated by an increase in the number of birds that took flight after landing. When small flocks were flown in the wind tunnel there was contact between birds in all lighting conditions. The collisions did not cause major disruptions of flight, but the birds seemed to be limited by the small space of the flight chamber. I conclude that (a) mechanisms in addition to sight may influence flock structure and (b) lack of visual cues may affect the primary orientation of birds enough to cause behavioral effects.

Recommended Citation

Moyle, Robert G., "Individual Group Flight of European Starlings and Budgerigars in a Wind Tunnel Without a Horizon Reference" (1996). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 737.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/737