Head start
Question: When pigeons walk they move their heads rhythmically and
horizontally a considerable distance, I would estimate around 5 centimetres back
and forth. Is there a biological advantage associated with this movement and, if
not, why do they do it?
Answer: A pigeon’s head does not move backwards and forwards when it walks,
despite appearances to the contrary. What actually happens is that the head
remains stationary relative to the ground until the neck runs out of stretch
room. Then the head is pushed forwards to maximum stretch as fast as possible.
This activity ensures that for most…
