Songbirds can learn flexible contextual control over syllable sequencing

Abstract

The flexible control of sequential behavior is a fundamental aspect of speech, enabling endless reordering of a limited set of learned vocal elements (syllables or words). Songbirds are phylogenetically distant from humans but share both the capacity for vocal learning and neural circuitry for vocal control that includes direct pallial-brainstem projections. Based on these similarities, we hypothesized that songbirds might likewise be able to learn flexible, moment-by-moment control over vocalizations. Here, we demonstrate that Bengalese finches (Lonchura striata domestica), which sing variable syllable sequences, can learn to rapidly modify the probability of specific sequences (e.g. ‘ab-c’ versus ‘ab-d’) in response to arbitrary visual cues. Moreover, once learned, this modulation of sequencing occurs immediately following changes in contextual cues and persists without external reinforcement. Our findings reveal a capacity in songbirds for learned contextual control over syllable sequencing that parallels human cognitive control over syllable sequencing in speech.

Effect of Darkness on Intrinsic Motivation for Undirected Singing in Bengalese Finch (Lonchura striata Domestica): A Comparative Study With Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata)

“…For example, a commonly used experimental manipulation to induce adaptive changes in the acoustic structure of adult song elements was first reported in BFs ( Tumer and Brainard, 2007 ) and the neural mechanisms of such song changes have been intensively studied in both BFs and ZFs ( Andalman and Fee, 2009 ; Charlesworth et al, 2012 ; Gadagkar et al, 2016 ; Hisey et al, 2018 ; Xiao et al, 2018 ; Tachibana et al, 2022 ). Because of the vocal learning ability and underlying neural circuits largely shared between these species, most studies have used them with little attention to species differences, although a limited number of studies took advantage of variable syllable sequencing in BF songs ( Okanoya, 2004 ; Warren et al, 2012 ; Lipkind et al, 2013 ; Polomova et al, 2019 ; Veit et al, 2021 ). The current study systematically compared the behavioral properties of singing between the two species and investigated the underlying mechanisms, revealing previously unknown differences between them.…”

Goal-directed vocal planning in a songbird

“…But to what extent is targeted vocal planning an entirely human ability? Many animals are capable of volitional control of vocalizations ( 1, 2 ), but are they also capable of planning to selectively adapt their vocalizations towards a target, such as when striving to reduce the pitch mismatch of a note in a song? Target-specific vocal planning is a cognitive ability that requires extracting or recalling a sensory target and forming or selecting the required motor actions to reach the target.…”

Adaptive Multi-Objective Control Explains How Humans Make Lateral Maneuvers While Walking

“…Conversely, rapid adaptation in response to changing environmental contexts has been demonstrated in both birdsong [80][81][82] and human speech [83]. This apparent plasticity of a well learned, crystalized behavior suggests that vocalization may be controlled by a "malleable template," in which trial-by-trial variability is used to adapt learned behaviors [84].…”