Neural Substrates of Avian Spatial Cognition

The ability to perceive, store, operate on, and recall information about the space around an animal is critical to its survival. Accordingly, a wealth of research has investigated this vital form of cognition, demonstrating the critical role played by the hippocampal formation (HF) and surrounding structures. While the necessity of these brain regions has been established in a number of species, mechanistic research into the neural circuitry supporting spatial cognition has focused predominantly on mammals. Like mammals, avian species are capable of solving advanced and unique spatial problems (e.g., food caching, migration). Despite the sophisticated behavioral repertoire that can be observed in birds, relatively little is known about the neural substrate of spatial learning in this class.

The techniques available for both imaging and perturbing the circuitry of the avian brain continue to evolve, this promises to provide unprecedented resolution into the function of the structures in the avian brain that support spatial cognition. This research topic intends to establish a forum dedicated to recent research advances, and provide an important resource for those seeking to understand spatial cognition in the bird. As more paradigms, model organisms, and techniques (especially those adapted from established paradigms in rodents) are applied to the problem of understanding the neural substrates of avian spatial cognition, these new data have the potential to reshape our understanding of the functional homology of the HF and associated structures across the animal kingdom.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions that target any aspect of the neuroanatomy, neurochemistry and neurobiology of spatial learning and memory in any avian species. Works considered will include empirical reports, computational models, reviews and meta-analyses, as well as position/theoretical papers.