Syringeal specialization of frequency control during song production in the Bengalese finch (Lonchura striata domestica).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Singing in songbirds is a complex, learned behavior which shares many parallels with human speech. The avian vocal organ (syrinx) has two potential sound sources, and each sound generator is under unilateral, ipsilateral neural control. Different songbird species vary in their use of bilateral or unilateral phonation (lateralized sound production) and rapid switching between left and right sound generation (interhemispheric switching of motor control). Bengalese finches (Lonchura striata domestica) have received considerable attention, because they rapidly modify their song in response to manipulations of auditory feedback. However, how the left and right sides of the syrinx contribute to acoustic control of song has not been studied.

Methodology

Three manipulatio

SUBMITTER: Secora KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3313989 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature