WHY DO BIRDS SING ?

Authors

  • Ramón Muñoz-Chápuli Oriol Catedrático de Biología Animal en la UMA (jubilado)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24310/enbio.17.189.2025.18153

Keywords:

Songbirds, song, syrinx

Abstract

Songbirds are capable of creating, thanks to their syrinx, songs whose function has been associated with the establishment of social bonds or the defence of territory. A recent study suggests that bird song is also necessary to maintain their qualities. The research, conducted with zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis), showed that if males are prevented from singing for seven days, the function of the syrinx and the quality of the song are affected. Females of this species were able to distinguish between trained singing and that produced after a lack of exercise. The investment of time and effort in maintaining singing qualities are factors that have not been considered until now in the behaviour and evolution of birds.

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References

Adam I, Riebel K, Stål P, Wood N, Previs MJ, Elemans CPH. (2023). Daily vocal exercise is necessary for peak performance singing in a songbird. Nat Commun. 14(1), 7787.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43592-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43592-6

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Published

2025-03-31

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