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Cited by 59Animal Vocal Communication and BehaviorNeuroscience and Music PerceptionPhonetics and Phonology Research

Evaluating theories of bird song learning: implications for future directions

D., Margoliash·2002·Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology
DOI 10.1007/s00359-002-0351-5
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Abstract

Studies of birdsong learning have stimulated extensive hypotheses at all levels of behavioral and physiological organization. This hypothesis building is valuable for the field and is consistent with the remarkable range of issues that can be rigorously addressed in this system. The traditional instructional (template) theory of song learning has been challenged on multiple fronts, especially at a behavioral level by evidence consistent with selectional hypotheses. In this review I highlight the caveats associated with these theories to better define the limits of our knowledge and identify important experiments for the future. The sites and representational forms of the various conceptual entities posited by the template theory are unknown. The distinction between instruction and selection in vocal learning is not well established at a mechanistic level. There is as yet insufficient neurophysiological data to choose between competing mechanisms of error-driven learning and reinforcement learning. Both may obtain for vocal learning. The possible role of sleep in acoustic or procedural memory consolidation, while supported by some physiological observations, does not yet have support in the behavioral literature. The remarkable expansion of knowledge in the past 20 years and the recent development of new technologies for physiological and behavioral experiments should permit direct tests of these theories in the coming decade.

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  • The bird is thought to fine-tune its song during the second phase by comparing auditory feedback of its own vocalizations with copies of tutors' songs that are stored in memory.

    “The bird is thought to fine-tune its song during this phase by comparing auditory feedback of its own vocalizations with copies of tutors’ songs that are stored in memory.”

    From Corollary discharge across the animal kingdom (2008) · cites this paper as [69]

  • Corollary discharge seems to have a key role during the second phase of vocal learning.

    “CD seems to have a key role during the second phase of vocal learning68,69.”

    From Corollary discharge across the animal kingdom (2008) · cites this paper as [69]

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Authors
D., M.
Venue
Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2002-12-01
Volume
188
Issue
11-12
Pages
851-866
ISSN
  • 0340-7594 (ISSN-L)
  • 1432-1351
DOI
10.1007/s00359-002-0351-5
OpenAlex
W2081966059
Cited by
59
References
111
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 3
FWCI
5.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations
  • Journal of Comparative Physiology A (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
U.S. Public Health Service (59831, 60276)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Developmental Biology › Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Music Perception
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Phonetics and Phonology Research
Keywords
vocal learning, template theory, error-based learning, reinforcement learning, sleep-dependent memory consolidation, auditory memory, procedural memory
MeSH terms
Animals, Animal Communication, Birds, Brain, Evaluation Studies as Topic, Feedback, Learning, Models, Biological, Nervous System, Neural Pathways, Neuronal Plasticity, Psychomotor Performance, Reinforcement, Psychology, Sleep, Sound, Synapses, Time Factors, Vocalization, Animal

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