title: Neural correlates of nesting behavior in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).
abstract: Nest building in birds involves a behavioral sequence (nest material collection and deposition in the nest) that offers a unique model for addressing how the brain sequences motor actions. In this study, we identified brain regions involved in nesting behavior in male and female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). We used Fos immunohistochemistry to quantify production of the immediate early gene protein product Fos (a molecular indicator of neuronal activity) in the brain correlated this expression with the variation in nesting behavior. Using this technique, we found that neural circuitry involved in motor sequencing, social behavior, reward and motivation were active during nesting. Within pairs of nesting birds, the number of times a male picked up or deposited nesting material and the amount of time a female spent in the nest explained the variation in Fos expression in the anterior motor pathway, social behavior network, and reward neural circuits. Identification of the brain regions that are involved in nesting enables us to begin studying the roles of motor sequencing, context, and reward in construction behavior at the neural level.
authors: School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, Harold Mitchell Building, St. Andrews, KY16 9TH Scotland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: zjh2@st-andrews.ac.uk.
authors: Zachary J
authors: ZJ
authors: Hall
authors: School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, Harold Mitchell Building, St. Andrews, KY16 9TH Scotland, United Kingdom.
authors: Marion
authors: M
authors: Bertin
authors: School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, Harold Mitchell Building, St. Andrews, KY16 9TH Scotland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: ieb3@st-andrews.ac.uk.
authors: Ida E
authors: IE
authors: Bailey
authors: The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, EH25 9RG Scotland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: simone.meddle@roslin.ed.ac.uk.
authors: Simone L
authors: SL
authors: Meddle
authors: School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, Harold Mitchell Building, St. Andrews, KY16 9TH Scotland, United Kingdom. Electronic address: sdh11@st-andrews.ac.uk.
authors: Susan D
authors: SD
authors: Healy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D005260:Female; D046369:Finches; D008297:Male; D009425:Nesting Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology*; D016761:Oncogene Proteins v-fos / Q000378:metabolism; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012201:Reward; D012737:Sex Factors; D012919:Social Behavior
chemical_list: D016761:Oncogene Proteins v-fos
keywords: C-fos; Nest building; Nesting behavior; Zebra finch; anterior motor pathway