Context-dependent modulations in zebra finch distance calls revealed by a novel goal-directed vocalization paradigm.

ABSTRACT: Songbirds are renowned for their complex vocal communication abilities; among them, zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) are a key species for studying vocal learning and communication. Zebra finches use various calls with different meanings, including the distance call, which is used for long-distance contact. Whether these calls are static with fixed meanings or flexible remains an open question. In this study we aimed to answer this question by designing a novel behavioral paradigm, in which we trained food-restricted zebra finches to use distance calls for food request. Nine out of ten birds learned this association and used their distance calls to obtain food when they were hungry. We then introduced a visually-separated audience and compared the distance calls used for food requests w

SUBMITTER: Safarcharati Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11903849 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature