Stimulus generalization of an illness-induced aversion to different intensities of colored water in Japanese quail

After quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) experienced a toxicosis following ingestion of water colored dark blue or light blue, the stimulus generalization of the aversion to light, medium, and dark blue water was investigated. Birds made ill following ingestion of dark blue water demonstrated a reduced aversion when tested with intensities of blue water weaker than the conditioning intensity. Birds made ill following ingestion of light blue water showed stronger aversions as a function of increasing test intensity, suggesting a stimulus intensity dynamism effect. The stimulus generalization and stimulus-intensity dynamism effects observed in this study where visual cues were used is in agreement with other results within the illness-induced aversions paradigm where rats were tested with varying concentrations of a gustatory stimulus.