Why is it that pigeons bob their heads so vigorously when they walk? | Notes and Queries

Why is it that pigeons bob their heads so vigorously when they walk?

Reg Oldsworth, Birmingham Britain

• They have their scarves tucked into their belts!

  Neil Tulip, Sheffield UK

• It's the result of mobile phone radiation.

  Mikhaila, Cardiff UK

• It's to keep their vision steady as it compensates for up and down movements in their bodies when they walk.

  Jason S, London, UK

• Pigeon style bobbing involves them keeping their heads in the same position, relative to the world around them, for as long as possible, thus affording them the maximum opportunity to spot predators and/or food. If it was to get an approximation of binocular vision, they'd carry on bobbing when they stood still, which they don't. Instead they move their heads from side to side. Have a guess what that's for...

  Toby, Canterbury, UK

• I have always assumed that pigeons, like chickens, do not have sufficient brain capacity to process moving images. The head is not bobbing, but moving from one fixed point to another and recording a series of stills. Try gently chasing a pigeon - its head will speed up as it walks faster. This desire to keep the head in one place can be demonstrated by holding a chicken and moving it from side to side and up and down. The head stays where it is. This even works if the chicken is turned upside down, until, of course, its neck can stretch or bend no more. The limited brain capacity also means that the bird is unlikely to retain any psychological scars from this experiment. The intent for still images is not dissimilar to an ice skater or dancer spinning but keeping the head in the same position as long as possible.

  Simon, Bracknell UK

• The pigeons are actually trying to keep their head a stationary as possible. This allows better assessment of their surroundings and threat detection. The head occupies one position whilst the body moves beneath it. After the next step has been taken the head rapidly moves to its next stationary position letting the body catch up and, again, move beneath it.

  Nick B, London UK

• So they can walk, The bobbing momentum keeps them moving, much like a clockwork mouse.

  Nicola, Cardiff Wales,UK

• Because they have all seen "Shaft" and thought he was cool!

  mike, newport S.wales