Higher-order sequences of vocal mimicry performed by male Albert's lyrebirds are socially transmitted and enhance acoustic contrast.

ABSTRACT: Most studies of acoustic communication focus on short units of vocalization such as songs, yet these units are often hierarchically organized into higher-order sequences and, outside human language, little is known about the drivers of sequence structure. Here, we investigate the organization, transmission and function of vocal sequences sung by male Albert's lyrebirds (Menura alberti), a species renowned for vocal imitations of other species. We quantified the organization of mimetic units into sequences, and examined the extent to which these sequences are repeated within and between individuals and shared among populations. We found that individual males organized their mimetic units into stereotyped sequences. Sequence structures were shared within and to a lesser extent among p

SUBMITTER: Backhouse F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8905160 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature