However, the vast differences in the length and complexity of species-specific songs cannot be easily explained in terms of functions like territory defense and mate attraction. Most research on birdsong emphasizes its ultimate function rather than its structure. Yet, it is not entirely clear why birds sing in such complex ways ( Rothenberg, 2005, Mathews, 2001), and the amazing diversity in birdsong still raises questions with respect to the features that make it such an important biological stimulus. Many studies have shown that singing behavior in most species has a dual function by attracting females and by serving as a territorial signal to keep out rivals ( Catchpole et al., 2008). Birdsong has provided a useful model system for vocal learning through research in ecology, animal behavior, neuroscience, physiology, psychology and linguistics and thus provides widely used textbook examples. Usually only males sing but in some tropical birds both sexes sing duets in complex and melodious ways ( Thorpe, 1972). Juvenile songbirds acquire their songs by imitating songs of adults. Birdsong research that takes into account the striking complexity of song structure in light of its more immediate function – to affect behavioral state in listeners – could provide a useful animal model for studying basic principles of music neuroscience in a system that is very accessible for investigation, and where developmental auditory and social experience can be tightly controlled.īirdsong is among the most striking vocal displays in nature and among the best studied communication systems in animals ( Catchpole et al., 2008). In conclusion, we suggest that birdsong research would benefit from current advances in music theory by attempting to identify structures that are designed to elicit listeners’ emotions and then testing for such effects experimentally. Finally, we explore ideas for investigating whether musical features of birdsong activate avian brains and affect avian behavior in manners comparable to music’s effects on humans.
We then explore the feasibility of stripping such putative musical features from the songs and testing how this might affect patterns of auditory responses, focusing on fMRI data in songbirds that demonstrate the feasibility of such approaches. These transitions show gradual escalations and graceful modifications, which are comparable to some aspects of human musicality. First we analyze songs of thrush nightingales ( Luscinia luscinia) by examining their trajectories in terms of transitions in rhythm and pitch. Here we propose a framework for investigating how birdsong, like human music, employs the above “musical” features to affect the emotions of avian listeners. What is it in the acoustic structure of birdsong that makes it such a potent stimulus? We suggest that birdsong potency might be driven by principles similar to those that make music so effective in inducing emotional responses in humans: a combination of rhythms and pitches -and the transitions between acoustic states-affecting emotions through creating expectations, anticipations, tension, tension release, or surprise.
Songs are learned via cultural transmission, and singing, usually by males, has a strong impact on the behavioral state of the listeners, often promoting affiliation, pair bonding, or aggression. Songbirds spend much of their time learning, producing, and listening to complex vocal sequences we call songs.
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