Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Song types as fundamental units in vocal repertoires

Article Abstract:

There is convincing evidence that the extent of similarity perceived by male song sparrows, Melospiza melodia, between pairs of song types is not determined by the level of minimal unit of production (MUP) similarity between the songs. The identification of lack of attention to MUP similarity between song types is significant in indicating that the positive connection between repertoire size and mean MUP similarity identified in song sparrow repertoires does not imply a substantial limitation on repertoire complexity.

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The development of within-song type variation in song sparrows

Article Abstract:

Song sparrows do not need exposure to within-type variation to produce such variation. Birds trained with totally invariant song types produce songs with just as much within-type variability as birds trained with variable song types. Exposure to a few conspecific song types assists the development of a normal repertoire. Beyond this, the number of song types heard during learning has only a limited impact on the numbers of song types developed by an individual.

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Permissiveness in the learning and development of song syntax in swamp sparrows

Article Abstract:

Young swamp sparrows, Melospiza georgiana, do not have a sensory bias against memorizing broken syntax songs during the sensory phase of learning. It has been established that the broken song syntax structure may be both memorized and accurately reproduced, even though it is very atypical of wild swamp sparrow song. Restrictions on motor performance could provide a way in which large-scale changes in vocal syntax originate, at least in sparrows.

Sparrows

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