Transcript Pitch Perception in Parids: Perfect of Pathetic? Tiffany T.

Comparative Song System Neuroanatomy
Pen Li & Christopher B. Sturdy
Songbird Neuroethology Laboratory
Department of Psychology
University of Alberta
Introduction
Field Work
Neurobiology
Many of our studies start with a bioacoustic
classification and analysis of our signals of
interest. This is a fundamental and crucial
step
towards
a
comprehensive
understanding of acoustic communication in
any system, and songbirds are no
exception.
Also crucial to our research is knowing how
birds use their vocalizations in nature.
These experiments can be used to increase
our understanding of natural phenomena, to
test assumptions from the laboratory, to
validate our laboratory work, or serve
combination of these functions.
In order to provide a complete and
satisfying
picture
of
acoustic
communication in songbirds, we also study
the neural centres that control the
production
and
perception
of
the
communication sounds that we investigate
in our behavioural studies.
Methods
Methods
Methods
Song System
Schematics
Results I
Results
Results II
Above are two Nissl stained brain sections
from a male black-capped chickadee. (A) a
more lateral section containing two of the main
motor nuclei, HVc and RA. (B) a more medial
section containing lMAN, Area X, DLM and
nXIIts.
Acknowledgements:
All members of the Sturdy Lab, the chickadees and: