Sensory feedback independent pre-song vocalizations correlate with time to song initiation.

ABSTRACT: The song of the adult male zebra finch is a well-studied example of a learned motor sequence. Song bouts begin with a variable number of introductory notes (INs) before actual song production. Previous studies have shown that INs progress from a variable initial state to a stereotyped final state before each song. This progression is thought to represent motor preparation, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we assessed the role of sensory feedback in the progression of INs to song. We found that the mean number of INs before song and the progression of INs to song were not affected by removal of two sensory feedback pathways (auditory or proprioceptive). In both feedback-intact and feedback-deprived birds, the presence of calls (other non-song vocalizations), jus

SUBMITTER: Rao D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6467462 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature