Adult female domesticated canaries can modify their song preferences

Abstract

Previous research has shown that acoustic experiences in early life influence song preferences in female domesticated canaries, Serinus canaria. We do not know, however, if they can modify song preferences in adulthood. In the experiments reported here, one group of young female domesticated canaries was reared in acoustic isolation in early life without song tutoring, while two groups were tutored with a playback song (one with wild canary song and one with domesticated canary song). We tested these three groups of females once they had reached adulthood, prior to breeding, using copulation-solicitation displays as an index of their song preferences. The females were then placed in an aviary with males during the breeding period, after which they were retested. We observed that the song preferences of females reared in acoustic isolation and those tutored with wild canary song had changed. These females were able to develop new song preferences in adult life. These results are discussed in relation to current views on song preferences and sexual imprinting.