Neural control of feeding behavior in the pigeon

Anatomical studies have identified a network of structures at several levels of the avian brain whose location and connections suggest that they are involved in the neural control of feeding in the pigeon. The network originates in a cranial nerve sensory nucleus innervating the oral region and includes striatal and limbic components. Bilateral lesions placed in several of the structures of this network produced disturbances of feeding and drinking, including aphagia, adipsia, and hypophagia. It is suggested that further neurobehavioral analysis of these structures may clarify the role of extrahypothalamic mechanisms in the neural control of feeding.