Social context-induced song variation affects female behavior and gene expression

Area of Science:

• Neuroethology
• Animal Communication
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Social context significantly influences vocal communication performance across species.
• In songbirds, male song structure varies with audience, impacting female attraction.
• The anterior forebrain pathway (AFP) in male zebra finches shows differential activity correlating with directed (stereotyped) and undirected (variable) songs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate female zebra finch preferences for male directed versus undirected songs.
• To determine if females can discriminate between song types and if experience influences preference.
• To explore the neural basis of social perception in songbird auditory pathways.

Main Methods:

• Behavioral approach assay to measure female song preference.
• Analysis of song variability linked to the anterior forebrain pathway (AFP).
• Measurement of immediate early gene ZENK expression in telencephalic auditory areas.

Main Results:

• Both mated and naive females discriminated between and preferred directed songs over undirected songs.
• Song preference strength increased with female experience, particularly for mated females with familiar songs.
• ZENK expression in the caudomedial mesopallium (CMM) was modulated by song directedness, while caudomedial nidopallium (NCM) responded to song familiarity.

Conclusions:

• Female zebra finches actively detect and prefer directed song features, suggesting a role for song variability in mate choice.
• Experience and social context enhance song perception and preference.
• Auditory brain regions, including the CMM, are critical for processing social information in vocalizations.