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Individual signatures in a vocal network: the role of social interactions on vocal development in birds

Objective

In order to maintain group cohesion, animals need to process social information efficiently. In many birds’ communities, this is ensured by vocal communication. In some bird species, social adjustment is facilitated by vocal sharing through imitation. Understanding how vocal culture develops in a population requires knowledge about social influences on vocal development. Until recently, vocal networks in animal groups have been rarely studied due to technical limitations. Here we propose to track the development of vocal culture by continuous monitoring of vocal exchanges in controlled social environments. We will study how group and individual signatures emerge and evolve within a group of birds. We have chosen two species well suited to study vocal interactions in a social network: a galliform, the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and a songbird, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Because quails are vocal non learners, it is believed that social influences play no role in the development of their vocal repertoire. Based on recent findings, we would like to revisit these aspects and test if quails raised in small groups from hatching to adulthood can develop vocal culture. In zebra finches, the song is learned during a sensitive period of the early life, mainly from the father. However, each bird develops a distinct song, maintaining both individual and group identity. We will study the balance between individual and group identity by using finches that have been trained to sing an identical song, and placing them together in a colony to test how vocal culture evolves across generations. In both species, vocalizations have the potential to be used as individual signatures. Using operant conditioning, we will study perceptual mechanisms of individual recognition in both species. The present study will contribute to a better understanding of the social mechanisms of communication in birds and will shed light on the specificity and evolution of vocal learning.

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF
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Coordinator

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
EU contribution
€ 250 659,00
Address
RUE MICHEL ANGE 3
75794 Paris
France

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Region
Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris
Activity type
Research Organisations
Administrative Contact
Michele Saumon (Dr.)
Links
Total cost
No data