Vestibular, olfactory, and vibratory responses of nucleus basalis prosencephali neurons in pigeons.

Evoked multiple unit responses were recorded through chronically implanted electrodes from the nucleus basalis prosencephali of the pigeon (Columba livia) upon vibratory stimulation of the beak-tip and airborne auditory stimulation, thus confirming earlier anatomical and physiological findings. Electrical stimulation of the olfactory nerve led to similar short latency responses. A specific directional sensitivity to rotatory vestibular stimulation was observed. Pitch motions of the head in the downward direction evoked the most pronounced multi-unit responses. These results support the suggestion that the nucleus basalis prosencephali is a sensorimotor coordinator of the pigeon's pecking/feeding behaviour.