High-Frequency Local Field Potential Oscillations for Pigeons in Effective Turning

Simple Summary This study delves into the turning behavior of pigeons by examining the neural mechanisms of their midbrain motor nucleus. Correlating brain oscillations with turning behavior, we identified the distinct roles of oscillatory patterns in different frequency bands during active and passive turning behavior. Specifically, 80 Hz stimulation induced higher-frequency oscillation patterns. These findings unveil the intricate relationship between neural oscillations and pigeon turning, highlighting the significance of specific frequency bands. This study enhances our understanding of avian brain-behavior connections, offering valuable insights for further research on avian locomotion neural processes and serving as a reference for future studies on neuromodulation techniques in flying animal robots.Abstract Flexible turning behavior endows Homing Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) with high adaptability and intelligence in long-distance flight, foraging, hazard avoidance, and social interactions. The present study recorded the activity pattern of their local field potential (LFP) oscillations and explored the relationship between different bands of oscillations and turning behaviors in the formatio reticularis medialis mesencephali (FRM). The results showed that the C (13-60 Hz) and D (61-130 Hz) bands derived from FRM nuclei oscillated significantly in active turning, while the D and E (131-200 Hz) bands oscillated significantly in passive turning. Additionally, compared with lower-frequency stimulation (40 Hz and 60 Hz), 80 Hz stimulation can effectively activate the turning function of FRM nuclei. Electrical stimulation elicited stronger oscillations of neural activity, which strengthened the pigeons' turning locomotion willingness, showing an enhanced neural activation effect. These findings suggest that different band oscillations play different roles in the turning behavior; in particular, higher-frequency oscillations (D and E bands) enhance the turning behavior. These findings will help us decode the complex relationship between bird brains and behaviors and are expected to facilitate the development of neuromodulation techniques for animal robotics.