Chapter 4 Function and Mechanisms of Song Learning in Song Sparrows*

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the song learning in the oscine passerines (songbirds), with focus on the study species, the song sparrow. In most songbirds, song functions in the contexts of intrasexual competition and mate attraction. In most territorial temperate-zone passerines, only males sing and the major intrasexual context is the defense of the territory with song functioning as a long-distance signal to “post” the territory and to communicate with neighbors in negotiating the territorial boundaries. The chapter also discusses the social factors in song learning. The singing interactions between two neighbors who share some song types are shown diagrammatically. The song learning program of song sparrows has been characterized identifying eight “rules” that taken together might be considered an adaptive learning strategy. These are: (1) learn songs preferentially from conspecific singers, (2) complete song learning in the first year, (3) copy song types completely and precisely, (4) learn the songs of multiple birds, (5) learn from the neighbors, (6) preferentially learn or retain song types of those tutors who survive into the first breeding season, (7) preferentially learn tutor-shared songs, and (8) individualize (at least some of the songs in) the song repertoire.