Prediction of homing pigeon flight paths using Gaussian processes

Mann, R; Richard Mann

Thesis

Prediction of homing pigeon flight paths using Gaussian processes

Abstract:: Studies of avian navigation are making increasing use of miniature Global Positioning Satellite devices, to regularly record the position of birds in flight with high spatial and temporal resolution. I suggest a novel approach to analysing the data sets pro- duced in these experiments, focussing on studies of the domesticated homing pigeon (Columba Livia) in the local, familiar area. Using Gaussian processes and Bayesian inference as a mathematical foundation I develop and apply a statistical model to make quantitative predictions of homing pigeon flight paths. Using this model I show that pigeons, when released repeatedly from the same site, learn and follow a habitual route back to their home loft. The model reveals the rate of route learning and provides a quantitative estimate of the habitual route complete with associated spatio-temporal covariance. Furthermore I show that this habitual route is best described by a sequence of isolated waypoints rather than as a continuous path, and that these waypoints are preferentially found in certain terrain types, being especially rare within urban and forested environments. As a corollary I demonstrate an extension of the flight path model to simulate ex- periments where pigeons are released in pairs, and show that this can account for observed large scale patterns in such experiments based only on the individual birds’ previous behaviour in solo flights, making a successful quantitative prediction of the critical value associated with a non-linear behavioural transition.

Actions

Email

Email this record

Send the bibliographic details of this record to your email address.

Your Email
Please enter the email address that the record information will be sent to.

-
Your message (optional)
Please add any additional information to be included within the email.
Cite

Cite this record

APA Style

Mann, R., & Mann, R. (2010). Prediction of homing pigeon flight paths using Gaussian processes [PhD thesis]. Oxford University, UK.

MLA Style

Mann, R., and Richard Mann. Prediction of Homing Pigeon Flight Paths Using Gaussian Processes. Oxford University, UK, 2010.

Chicago Style

Mann, R, and Richard Mann. 2010. “Prediction of Homing Pigeon Flight Paths Using Gaussian Processes.” PhD thesis, Oxford University, UK.
Share
Print

Access Document

Files:: Thesis by Richard Mann for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

(Preview, pdf, 40.8MB, Terms of use)

Authors

+ Mann, R More by this author

Institution:: University of Oxford
Division:: MPLS
Department:: Zoology
Research group:: Pattern Analysis and Machine Learning (Engineering), OxNav (Zoology)
Oxford college:: Oriel College
Role:: Author