The Temporal organization of learned vocal behavior is predicted by species rather than experience.

Abstract

Birdsong is hierarchically organized in time, like speech and other communication behaviors. Syllables are produced in sequences to form song motifs and bouts. While syllables are copied from tutors, the factors that determine song temporal organization, including syllable sequencing (syntax), are unknown. Here, we tested the roles of learning and species genetics in song organization. We manipulated juvenile song experience and genetics in three species of estrildid finches (zebra finches: Taeniopygia guttata castanotis; long-tailed finches: Poephila acuticauda; Bengalese finches: Lonchura striata var. domestica). We analyzed the adult songs of male birds that were: 1) tutored by conspecifics; 2) untutored; 3) tutored by heterospecifics; and 4) genetic hybrids. Song macrostructure, syllable sequencing, and syllable timing were quantified and compared within and across species. Results showed that song organization was consistent within a species and differed across species, regardless of experience. Temporal features did not differ between tutored and untutored birds of the same species. The songs of birds tutored by other species were composed of heterospecific syllables produced in sequences typical of conspecific song. The songs of genetic hybrids showed the organization of both parental species, despite the fact that only males sing. Results indicate that song organization is predicted by species rather than experience.Significance statement Like speech, birdsong is a complex and learned behavior that is hierarchically organized in time. Previous work suggests that species identity influences song temporal organization. We tested the roles of genetics and learning in song organization in three songbird species and genetic hybrids. Birds were either tutored, untutored, or tutored by another species. Results showed that song organization was consistent within a species and differed across species, regardless of experience. Our findings suggest that the organization of behavioral sequences is shaped by both genes and experience, with the influence of experience acting at the level of units in a sequence and the influence of species genetics acting at the level of sequence organization.