Stage-Associated Reorganization of Epidural ECoG Functional Networks During Pigeon Homing Flight

Pigeon homing provides an important model for studying navigation after displacement, yet how large-scale brain activity is organized across different phases of homing flight remains unclear. In this study, we recorded 16-channel epidural electrocorticographic signals from freely flying pigeons during outdoor homing flights initiated approximately 6 km from the home loft. GPS trajectories were used to divide the homing process into waiting, hovering, fuzzy positioning, precise positioning, and home stages. Correlation-based inter-channel functional networks were constructed across alpha, beta, gamma, and high-gamma frequency bands, and their topological properties were quantified using the clustering coefficient and global efficiency. The results showed that ECoG functional network topology varied across homing stages. Network measures were generally higher during the precise positioning stage near the home loft and lower during the fuzzy positioning stage. Gamma-band networks showed a relatively stronger tendency toward the precise positioning stage, whereas alpha-band networks showed a relatively stronger tendency toward the hovering stage. Together, these findings suggest that natural pigeon homing flight is accompanied by stage-associated reorganization of epidural ECoG functional networks.