Is the Incubation Patch Required for the Construction of a Normal Nest?

Abstract

New methods are presented for examining the function of the incubation patch in the nest-building process. These involve direct interference with the tactile sensitivity of the brood patch and hence its ability to assess nest size and texture. The patch may be covered with a pliable plastic apron or rendered completely insensitive to touch by surgical denervation. Data from several experiments employing such methods indicate that the incubation patch is not required for construction of a nest of normal size and composition by Canaries. In addition, its absence does not affect the birds' disinterest in nest-building as egg-laying approaches. The results suggest that receptors in places other than the incubation patch may be used in its absence to assess nest quality and size.