Song overproduction, selective attrition and song dialects in the white-crowned sparrow

Article Abstract:

A new study investigates the maintenance of song dialects in two neighbouring populations of white-crowned sparrows.

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External validity and experimental design: the sensitive phase for song learning

Article Abstract:

The significance of interactive tutoring on open-ended learning suggested by other studies was disputed since the sensitive phase for song learning in the white-crowned sparrow is similar for tape and live tutors and is limited during the early stage of the bird's life span. In these studies, the nature of the tutor is inconsistent with the duration of exposure to tutors. These studies were also inconsistent with two distinct types of song learning that happens at different ages.

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Ecological influences on vocal development in the white-crowned sparrow

Article Abstract:

Male Gambel's white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii, appear to arrive at their breeding grounds in late May and early Jun singing only a single song type. There is little evidence from field or laboratory research to indicate that the sensitive phase for song acquisition is open in yearlings. It seems that males do not change their single song after arrival at their breeding grounds. Gambelli seem to be predisposed to be most sensitive to song stimulation at a much younger age than the other subspecies that have longer breeding and singing seasons.

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