Yoshimasa Seki, Kenta Suzuki, Miki Takahasi and Kazuo Okanoya (2008): Song
motor control organizes acoustic patterns on two levels in Bengalese finches
(Lonchura striata var. domestica). J. Comp. Physiol. A 194(6), 533-543.
Abstract: Based on statistical analyses of song sequences, Bengalese finch
(Lonchura striata var. domestica) songs do not show unvarying motif
repetition as has been found in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).
Instead, there are variations of partially stereotyped sequences of song
syllables. Although these stereotyped sequences consist of multiple
syllables, in most cases these syllables occur together. To examine whether
such structures really exist as a vocal production unit, we subjected
singing birds to a light flash and determined when the stimulus stopped the
songs. When light interruptions were presented within the statistically
stereotyped sequences, the subsequent syllables tended to be produced,
whereas interruptions presented during the statistically variable sequences
tended to cause instantaneous song termination. This suggests that the
associations among the song syllables that compose the statistically
stereotyped sequences are more order dependent than those for the
statistically variable sequences, and the tolerances of syllable pairs to
visual interruptions are consistent with the statistical song structures.
Additionally, following interruptions, several types of song sequence
variations were observed that had not been previously reported. These
phenomena might be caused by various effects of the visual stimulus on the
hierarchical motor control program.
URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/55615t4k8352k57w/
For reprints please contact Yoshimasa Seki (Email:
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