International Journal of
eISSN: 2574-9862
Submit manuscript...
Research Article Volume 10 Issue 2
Assessing visual function in pigeons: reflex-based and behavioural tests for wildlife triage
Elena Ball, David L Williams
Received: April 15, 2026 | Published: June 3, 2026
Citation: Ball E, Williams DL. Assessing visual function in pigeons: reflex-based and behavioural tests for wildlife triage. Int J Avian & Wildlife Biol. 2026;10(2):31‒36. DOI: 10.15406/ijawb.2026.10.00250
Abstract
Assessment of visual function is an important component of triage in avian wildlife casualties, particularly in pigeons where ocular and periocular trauma is common following collision-related injury. Accurate evaluation of vision influences treatment decisions, rehabilitation planning, and release suitability; however, practical visual assessment methods suitable for wildlife rehabilitation settings remain poorly standardized. This study evaluated the clinical utility of reflex-based and behavioral tests for assessing visual function in pigeons, and compared their findings with ophthalmic examination and long-term behavioral observations. Thirty-eight adult pigeons comprising feral pigeons (Columba livia), domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica), and wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) were assessed using menace response, dazzle reflex, visual tracking, obstacle avoidance, and seed pecking behavior. Ophthalmoscopic examination was performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist, and findings were compared with behavioral observations recorded by experienced wildlife rehabilitators during routine care. Behavioral assessments conducted over time demonstrated greater sensitivity for detecting visual impairment than brief clinical reflex testing alone. Species-related differences were identified: wood pigeons showed reduced reliability in reflex-based testing but greater compliance with behavioural assessments, while feral and domestic pigeons more consistently demonstrated reflex responses but were less cooperative during behavioral testing. Ophthalmoscopic lesions did not consistently predict functional visual impairment. These findings support a staged assessment protocol combining reflex-based examination with behavioural observation to improve clinical decision-making during pigeon triage. Incorporating both approaches may allow more accurate assessment of visual function and more informed welfare-based release decisions.
Keywords: pigeon, avian ophthalmology, vision assessment, wildlife rehabilitation, triage, visual impairment, Columba
©2026 Ball, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.