[Analysis of pattern preferences in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica; Galli, Aves) with reference to inborn and acquired components].

Abstract

Japanese quails were examined as to whether inborn or environmental factors were decisive for visual white-black pattern preference. By different breeding conditions (patterning of the environment, sight contact with other quails, knowledge of the food form) it was found out that bright surfaces were preferred to dark ones; young quails preferred patterns resembling the plumage of their own species, whereas older ones favoured those corresponding to their favourite food. Furthermore, activities were compared between different age groups; there are parallels between the activity in the test apparatus and on the activity platform.