The role of nonlinear dynamics of the syrinx in the vocalizations of a songbird.
Birdsong is characterized by the modulation of sound properties over a wide image of timescales. Understanding the mechanisms by which the brain organizes this complex temporal behaviour is a central motivation in the study of the song control and learning system. Here we present evidence that, in addition to central neural control, a further level of temporal organization is provided by nonlinear oscillatory dynamics that are intrinsic to the avian vocal organ. A detailed temporal and spectral examination of song of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) reveals a class of rapid song modulations that are consistent with transitions in the dynamical state of the syrinx. Furthermore, in vitro experiments show that the syrinx can produce a sequence of oscillatory states that are both spectrally and temporally complex in response to the slow variation of respiratory or syringeal parameters. As a consequence, simple variations in a small number of neural signals can result in a complex acoustic sequence.
Fee
M S
MS
Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies, 600 Mountain Avenue, Murray Hill, New Jersey 07974, USA.
Shraiman
B
B
Pesaran
B
B
Mitra
P P
PP
D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D009991:Oscillometry; D020308:Songbirds / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D014132:Trachea / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D014741:Video Recording; D014828:Vocalization, Animal / Q000502:physiology*