ABSTRACT
This description of autoshaped pecking by pigeons sounds similar to sign tracking by dogs. Both autoshaping and sign tracking involve species-characteristic behavior that is elicited by food presentation. Instinctive drift also appears to be reflexive behavior that is elicited by food. Birds peck at grain and make similar responses to the key light. That is, birds sample or taste items in the environment by the only means available to them, beak or bill contact. Dogs make food-soliciting responses to the signal that precedes food reinforcement. For example, this kind of behavior is clearly seen in pictures of wolf pups licking the mouth of an adult returning from a hunt. Raccoons rub and manipulate food items and make similar responses to coins that precede food delivery. And we have all seen humans rubbing dice together between their hands before throwing them. It is likely that autoshaping, sign tracking, and instinctive drift represent the same (or very similar) processes (for a discussion, see Hearst & Jenkins, 1974).
