The singing question: re‐conceptualizing birdsong

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 97(1), P. 326 - 342

Published: Oct. 5, 2021

ABSTRACT Birdsong has been the subject of broad research from a variety sub‐disciplines and taught us much about evolution, function, mechanisms driving animal communication cognition. Typically, birdsong refers to specialized vocalizations produced by oscines. Historically, on was conducted in north temperate regions (specifically Europe North America) leading multiple biases. Due these historic biases are generally considered be highly sexually dimorphic, heavily shaped sexual selection essential for courtship territoriality. Song is also typically defined as learned trait cultural evolution. Together, this framework focuses specifically males, particularly during breeding season – reflecting thereby reinforcing framework. The physiological underpinnings song often emphasize role hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (associated with changes) control system (underlying vocal learning). Over years there great debate over which features definition birdsong, apply broadly contexts outside males region, importance having at all. Importantly, definitions we use can both guide limit progress research. Here, describe history definitions, how have directed restricted focus male selected contexts. Additionally, highlight gaps our scientific knowledge, especially respect function underlying females winter, well non‐seasonally species. Furthermore, problems using complexity learning dichotomous variables categorize songs calls. Across species, no one characteristic dimorphism, seasonality, complexity, selection, consistently delineates other songbird communication. We provide recommendations next steps build an inclusive information that will allow researchers explore nuances promote comparative Specifically, recommend should operationalize variation most relevant their study/species identifying specific question variable(s) (e.g. seasonality). Researchers identify (axes) degree testosterone) study language consistent testosterone seasonal production birds).

Language: Английский

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The social role of song in wild zebra finches

Current Biology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 33(2), P. 372 - 380.e3

Published: Dec. 20, 2022

Male songbirds sing to establish territories and attract mates.1Catchpole C.K. Slater P.J.B. Bird Song: Biological Themes Variations. Cambridge University Press, 2008https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511754791Crossref Scopus (282) Google Scholar,2Gil D. Gahr M. The honesty of bird song: multiple constraints for traits.Trends Ecol. Evol. 2002; 17: 133-141https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-5347(02)02410-2Abstract Full Text PDF (527) Scholar However, increasing reports singing in non-reproductive contexts3Rose E.M. Prior N.H. Ball G.F. question: re-conceptualizing birdsong.Biol. Rev. Camb. Philos. Soc. 2022; 97: 326-342https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12800Crossref PubMed (10) by females4Odom K.J. Hall M.L. Riebel K. Omland K.E. Langmore N.E. Female song is widespread ancestral songbirds.Nat. Commun. 2014; 5: 3379https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms4379Crossref (260) Scholar,5Riebel Odom New insights from female towards an integrated approach studying male communication roles.Biol. Lett. 2019; 15 (20190059)https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2019.0059Crossref (72) show that use more diverse than previously considered. Therefore, alternative functions song, such as social cohesion3Rose synchronization breeding, large, were overlooked even well-studied species the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). In these songbirds, only males sing, pairs breed synchronously loose colonies,6Brandl H.B. Griffith S.C. Schuett W. Wild finches choose neighbours synchronized breeding.Anim. Behav. 151: 21-28https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.03.002Crossref (15) Scholar,7Brandl Farine D.R. nest have long-term stable ties.J. Anim. 2021; 90: 76-86https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13082Crossref (21) following aseasonal rain events their arid habitat.8Morton S.R. Stafford Smith D.M.S. Dickman C.R. Dunkerley D.L. Friedel M.H. Mcallister R.R.J. Reid J.R.W. Roshier D.A. M.A. Walsh F.J. et al.A fresh framework ecology Australia.J. Arid Environ. 2011; 75: 313-329https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2010.11.001Crossref (272) Scholar,9Zann R.A. Morton Jones K.R. Burley N.T. timing breeding relation rainfall central Australia.Emu – Austral Ornithology. 1995; 95: 208-222https://doi.org/10.1071/MU9950208Crossref (149) As are not territorial, form monogamous bonds early life, conventional theory predicts should much at all; however, they do focus hundreds lab-based studies.10Hauber M.E. Louder M.I. Neurogenomic into behavioral vocal development finch.eLife. 10: e61849https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.61849Crossref Scholar,11Tchernichovski O. Eisenberg-Edidin S. Jarvis E.D. Balanced imitation sustains culture finches.Nat. 12: 2562https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22852-3Crossref (13) Scholar,12Riebel Song mate choice finches: a review.Adv. Study 2009; 40: 197-238https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-3454(09)40006-8Crossref Scholar,13Forstmeier Burger C. Temnow Derégnaucourt genetic basis vocalizations.Evolution. 63: 2114-2130https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1558-5646.2009.00688.xCrossref (83) Scholar,14Boogert N.J. Giraldeau L.A. Lefebvre L. complexity correlates with learning ability males.Anim. 2008; 76: 1735-1741https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2008.08.009Crossref (148) Scholar,15Fishbein A.R. Idsardi W.J. Dooling R.J. Sound sequences birdsong: how birds really care?.Philos. Trans. R. Lond. B Biol. Sci. 2020; 375 (20190044)https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2019.0044Crossref (23) Scholar,16Williams H. Lachlan R.F. Evidence cumulative cultural evolution song.Philos. 377 (20200322)https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2020.0322Crossref Scholar,17Pfenning Hara E. Whitney Rivas M.V. Wang Roulhac P.L. Howard J.T. Wirthlin Lovell P.V. Ganapathy G. al.Convergent transcriptional specializations brains humans song-learning birds.Science. 346 (1256846)https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1256846Crossref (292) Scholar,18Kubikova Wada Dopamine receptors songbird brain.J. Comp. Neurol. 2010; 518: 741-769https://doi.org/10.1002/cne.22255Crossref (107) Scholar,19Honarmand Naguib Nutrition peer group composition adolescence: impacts on preference finches.Anim. 2015; 107: 147-158https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.06.017Crossref Scholar,20Slater Eales Clayton N.S. guttata): progress prospects.Adv. 1988; 18: 1-34https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-3454(08)60308-3Crossref (168) Scholar,21Gil Rutstein A.N. Early condition, learning, volume brain nuclei guttata).J. Neurobiol. 2006; 66: 1602-1612https://doi.org/10.1002/neu.20312Crossref (81) Scholar,22Kriengwatana B. Schmidt K.L. Taves M.D. Soma K.K. MacDougall-Shackleton S.A. Effects nutritional stress during different developmental periods hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis finches.Horm. 65: 285-293https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.12.013Crossref (34) We hypothesize maintain cohesion synchronize breeding. Here, we test this idea using data 5 years field studies, including observational transects, focal year-round audio recordings, large-scale playback experiment. frequently while groups, status influences output aggregations, year round, predominantly when partner, suggesting remains important after pair formation. Our reveals actively features aggregations it attracts conspecifics. Together, results demonstrate birdsong has beyond territoriality choice, illustrating its importance coordination units within larger societies.

Language: Английский

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Sex differences in seasonal brain plasticity and the neuroendocrine regulation of vocal behavior in songbirds

Hormones and Behavior, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 142, P. 105160 - 105160

Published: March 30, 2022

Language: Английский

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Vocal complexity in a socially complex corvid: gradation, diversity and lack of common call repertoire in male rooks

Royal Society Open Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Vocal communication is widespread in animals, with vocal repertoires of varying complexity. The social complexity hypothesis predicts that species may need high to deal complex organization (e.g. have a variety different interindividual relations). We quantified the two geographically distant captive colonies rooks, corvid and cognitive performances, but understudied abilities. diversity gradation their repertoire, as well inter-individual similarity at unit level. found males produced call units lower than females, while song did not differ between sexes. Surprisingly, females highly similar repertoires, even colonies, each individual male almost completely from any other individual. These findings question way rooks communicate partners. suggest actively seek remain vocally distinct, which could be an asset frequently changing environment. conclude similarity, aspect should also considered measure

Language: Английский

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Female blue tits sing frequently: a sex comparison of occurrence, context, and structure of song

Behavioral Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 33(5), P. 912 - 925

Published: April 25, 2022

In species with mutual mate choice, we should expect adaptive signaling in both sexes. However, the role of female sexual signals is generally understudied. A case point birdsong that has received considerably less attention than male song. This holds even for well-studied such as blue tit (

Language: Английский

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Seabird’s cry: repertoire and vocal expression of contextual valence in the little auk (Alle alle)

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(1)

Published: May 27, 2023

Abstract Many seabird species breed in colonies counting up to hundreds of thousands individuals. Life such crowded might require special coding–decoding systems reliably convey information through acoustic cues. This can include, for example, developing complex vocal repertoires and adjusting the properties their signals communicate behavioural contexts, thus regulate social interactions with conspecifics. We studied vocalisations produced by little auk ( Alle alle )—a highly vocal, colonial seabird—over mating incubation periods on SW coast Svalbard. Using passive recordings registered a breeding colony, we extracted eight vocalisation types: single call, clucking , classic call low trill short short-trill terror handling vocalisation. Calls were grouped production context (based typically associated behaviour), which valence (positive vs negative) was later attributed, when possible, according fitness threats, i.e. predator or human presence (negative) promoters, interaction partner (positive). The effect putative selected frequency duration variables then investigated. contextual significantly affected calls. assigned positive had higher fundamental spectral centre gravity as well shorter sound than these negative valence. These results indicate that auk’s communication system may facilitate expression seems include plasticity within types—however, more data are necessary better understand this possible interplays other factors.

Language: Английский

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Bridging the fields of cognition and birdsong with corvids

Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 90, P. 102965 - 102965

Published: Jan. 5, 2025

Corvids, readily adaptable across social and ecological contexts, successfully inhabit almost the entire world. They are seen as highly intelligent birds, current research examines their cognitive abilities. Despite being songbirds with a complete 'song system', corvids have historically received less attention in studies of song production, learning, perception compared to non-corvid songbirds. However, recent neurobiological demonstrated that songbird vocal production its neuronal representations regularly influenced by environmental factors. This opinion article discusses literature on 'corvid song' before introducing other flexible behaviors both wild controlled laboratory studies. We suggest control promising model species study links between brain networks for cognition vocalization. Studying corvid flexibility associated processes lab settings offers complementary insights, crucial bridging fields birdsong.

Language: Английский

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A focus on females can improve science and conservation

Ibis, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 5, 2025

As a field, ecology has historically misunderstood or overlooked female organisms, assumed that they are ‘similar enough’ to males. The typical unit of study for research stops at the species level, but can be too coarse and obscure important intraspecific differences. Projecting results studies based on only half population (i.e. males) onto females misleading, if not dangerous, as birds differ from males in key aspects their biology. Birds widespread sexed more often than most other taxa; yet although it uses them model current ornithological is disproportionately male birds. We review some fields pertinent conservation highlight biases gaps. find that, counter ‘traditional’ assumptions, reproductive roles balanced between sexes across many, all, species. In addition, sing, tend dispersive males, have lower survival, use different habitats – which implications may affected by climate change differently. call ornithologists separately because lack attention these differences real‐world implications. Potential solutions include training observers recognize traits, using field methods increase detection (e.g. catching during migration season, DNA determine sex), broadening geographical regions recruiting diverse group scientists help equalize research.

Language: Английский

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Conserving avian vocal culture

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 380(1925)

Published: May 1, 2025

Over 40% of bird species learn their vocalizations from conspecifics. Avian therefore represent one the most pervasive and quantifiable examples culturally acquired behaviour that evolves is maintained within populations through conformity selection. We review research exploring loss vocal culture in wild birds synthesize how this may occur three processes, defined as erosion/fragmentation, divergence convergence. discuss potential to conserve avian cultures captivity, using regent honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia a case study. Given current rates global biodiversity decline, we predict more will emerge future. There need, therefore, for better understanding (i) birds; (ii) what factors predispose culture; (iii) fitness costs culture, including population size or density range which be greatest; (iv) can best conserved restored. This knowledge could then inform management actions such diversity world's generations come.This article part theme issue 'Animal culture: conservation changing world'.

Language: Английский

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Reciprocal processes of sensory perception and social bonding: an integrated social‐sensory framework of social behavior

Genes Brain & Behavior, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 21(3)

Published: Dec. 14, 2021

Abstract Organisms filter the complexity of natural stimuli through their individual sensory and perceptual systems. Such filtering is particularly important for social stimuli. A shared “social umwelt” allows individuals to respond appropriately expected diversity cues signals during interactions. In this way, behavioral neurobiological mechanisms sociality bonding cannot be disentangled from processing. While a degree embeddedness between processes clear, our dominant theoretical frameworks favor treating as distinct. An integrated social‐sensory framework has potential greatly expand understanding underlying variation in more broadly. Here we leverage what known about processing pair two common study systems with significant species differences umwelt (rodent chemosensation avian acoustic communication). We primarily highlight that (1) communication essential bond formation maintenance, (2) neural circuits perception, are integrated, (3) candidate neuromodulatory regulate also impact perception. Finally, propose approaches fully integrate processing, communication, across levels analysis: behavioral, neurobiological, genomic. This perspective raises key questions: how shaped by processing?, extent saliency interactions emerging relationships?

Language: Английский

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