Acoustic fine structure may encode biologically relevant information for zebra finches.

ABSTRACT: The ability to discriminate changes in the fine structure of complex sounds is well developed in birds. However, the precise limit of this discrimination ability and how it is used in the context of natural communication remains unclear. Here we describe natural variability in acoustic fine structure of male and female zebra finch calls. Results from psychoacoustic experiments demonstrate that zebra finches are able to discriminate extremely small differences in fine structure, which are on the order of the variation in acoustic fine structure that is present in their vocal signals. Results from signal analysis methods also suggest that acoustic fine structure may carry information that distinguishes between biologically relevant categories including sex, call type and individual identity.

SUBMITTER: Prior NH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5906677 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature